A 28-year-old PhD student in criminology at Washington State University, has been arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Bryan Christopher Kohberger was taken into custody on Friday in Pennsylvania on a fugitive from justice arrest warrant and is also facing on four (4) counts of first-degree murder (Idaho Code 19-4003) and one (1) count of felony burglary (Idaho Code 18-1401) for entering a residence with the intent to commit murder, said City of Moscow Police Department.
Kohberger family said they are cooperating with law enforcement to promote his presumption of innocence.
“We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions,” said The Kohbergers in a statement.
On November 13, 2022, at 11:58 hours, officers from the Moscow Police Department responded to a call at 1122 King Road for the report of an unconscious individual. Upon arrival, they found four students who had been killed by multiple stab wounds. Autopsies revealed that the victims, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, were likely asleep when they were attacked and some had defensive wounds.
There was no indication of sexual assault. Two other female roommates in the house were unharmed and apparently slept through the killings.
DNA evidence reportedly played a role in identifying Kohberger as a suspect, as officials were able to match his DNA to material recovered during the investigation. He is being held without bond and is set to appear in court on Tuesday for a hearing to determine whether he will waive extradition and return to Idaho to face charges.
“These murders have shaken our community and I know that no arrest will restore the families or bring these young students back. However, we believe in the criminal process and continue to extend our most sincere condolences to the families,” said Moscow Police Chief James Fry.
Fry also praised the dedication of the investigators who worked on the case, thanking the Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their efforts.
The investigation continues and detectives have seized a white 2015 Hyundai Elantra. Additional search warrants and location searches are occurring in multiple locations. Additional evidence will be collected, and interviews conducted.
Throughout the investigation, the community took an intense interest in the case. Over 19,000 tips were received with over 9,000 through email, 4,500 by phone, and over 6,000 digital media submissions. Investigators have conducted over 300 interviews.