Bryan Kohberger, the former criminology Ph.D. student who was convicted of killing four University of Idaho students, has been making frequent complaints at the Idaho prison facility where he will serve the rest of his life. Experts have warned that his behavior may put him at greater risk of harm. Kohberger received four consecutive life sentences with no parole, plus an additional 10 years for his brutal home invasion knife attack on November 13, 2022, which killed three victims who were asleep at the time of the attack.
Kohberger’s complaints about his living conditions have already drawn the attention of experts, with one notable figure suggesting that his behavior is reminiscent of the so-called ‘jailhouse Karen’ stereotype. Paul Mauro, a retired NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor, noted that Kohberger’s actions do not bode well for his prognosis of getting along in prison. He has already made multiple complaints, including tattling on fellow inmates who he claims are threatening and harassing him, complaining about prison food, and requesting to be moved to another wing of the Idaho Maximum Security Institute. Experts speculate that these complaints may have already alerted fellow inmates to his vulnerability, potentially escalating any threats he faces.
According to reports, Kohberger has also been making complaints to prison guards about inmate taunts and threats, which have been reported to state officials. Cameron Lindsay, a prison consultant, criticized Kohberger’s behavior, calling him a ‘monster and a fool in one’ for his antics. Lindsay suggested that the Idaho Department of Correction is unlikely to comply with any of Kohberger’s requests for transfers, and that his constitutional rights, particularly the Eighth Amendment, may not be applicable given that he is already segregated from other inmates. He warned that if Kohberger had any sense, he would keep his mouth shut and avoid further harassment. However, some experts suggest that his complaints may have already prompted fellow inmates to increase their verbal tirades against him.
Most recently, Kohberger, who is a vegan, complained to prison staff about not receiving proper nutrition at meal time, citing specific instances where items were missing from his tray. These complaints have been shared through various media reports, including a handwritten grievance obtained by NewsNation. Kohberger has been placed in J Block, a high-risk prison wing that includes death row inmates and other lifers like himself. Despite his segregation, experts warn that his behavior may continue to draw attention and put him at greater risk. The Idaho Department of Correction has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.