Idaho State Police have released hundreds of photos taken during their investigation into the college murder case of Bryan Kohberger. The images offer the first public glimpse of his spartan apartment in Pullman, Washington, situated across the state line from Idaho State University. The photos show his modest living space, which includes a variety of personal belongings and academic materials. Among the discovered items are cleaning supplies, books on criminology, and several graded school papers, alongside a closet full of blue and white button-down shirts and other odds and ends.
The collection of items found in the apartment includes seven parking tickets, a disciplinary letter from the university, and birthday cards addressed to him, despite the spelling mistake. These details suggest a limited social life and academic involvement, as well as a focus on his studies in criminology. The images also reveal the presence of a box for a field compass and an unopened can of bear spray, indicative of his interest in outdoor activities and preparedness for potential threats.
Kohberger, who was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology, had previously been the subject of complaints from undergraduate students and was set to lose his campus job as a teaching assistant. However, the evidence from his apartment seems to show an average student life, as his academic work appeared ordinary to his professors. Despite this, some of his essays and graded work reflected a critical stance on the death penalty and an advocacy for progressive prosecutors, which suggest a more nuanced perspective on justice and punishment.
The evidence recovered from his apartment includes his desktop computer, which experts examined for digital forensics. The digital devices showed that he had attempted to cover up his movements on the night of the murders and wiped a month’s worth of browser history. However, he also spent his Christmas reading about serial killers and taking numerous selfies in a manner reminiscent of the movie ‘American Psycho,’ indicating a possible interest in the subject and a lack of privacy in his personal space.
Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one of felony burglary in July, which spared him from the death penalty. In exchange, he received a sentence of four consecutive life terms in prison with no parole, plus an additional 10 years. He is currently held at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, which also houses death row inmates, including another notorious murderer named Chad Daybell.
The release of these photos has provided the public with a glimpse into the life of a man who committed a heinous crime, showcasing the contrast between his academic pursuits and the brutal actions he took. These images have not only sparked public interest but also raised questions about the psychological state and background of a student who became a murderer.