Criminology grad student hit with four counts of first-degree murder

MOSCOW, Idaho — Bryan Christopher Kohberger has been charged with four counts of murder and burglary for allegedly stabbing four University of Idaho students to death at an off-campus rental house, officials said Friday at a a press conference.

Kohberger was arrested Friday morning in eastern Pennsylvania for the gruesome Nov. 13 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20.

“These killings have shaken our community, and no arrest will ever bring these young students back,” Moscow Police Chief James Fry told reporters as he appeared to hold back tears.

« What I can tell you is that we have an individual in custody who committed these horrific crimes and I believe our community is safe, » he said when asked if the police were looking for other suspects.

TIMELINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDERS: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE MASSACRE OF FOUR STUDENTS

Kohberger is a doctoral student in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. — about eight miles from the King Road house where the students were massacred.

The Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police and FBI have been working tirelessly for nearly seven weeks to find the killer as the public and families of the victims scrutinize the investigation.

IDAHO MURDER SUSPECT: WHO IS BRYAN CHRISTOPHER KOHBERGER

Latah County District Attorney Bill Thompson said a criminal complaint was filed Thursday, charging Kohberger with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary, « which involves entering the residence with intent to commit the crime of murder ».

The probable cause affidavit outlining details of the crime will remain sealed until Kohberger is extradited to Latah County and served with Idaho’s arrest warrant as required by law, Thompson said.

The investigation into the murders of four Idaho college students has now entered its second month.
(Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

Kohberger made his first appearance before a Monroe County court judge Friday morning in Pennsylvania and is being held without bond.

He is due back in court on Tuesday afternoon and will be represented by a public defender, Thompson added.

Police executed a search warrant Friday at Kohberger’s Pullman apartment.

GROUP SPOTTED WALKING IN BACKGROUND OF BODYCAM VIDEO TAKEN NEAR CRIME SCENE AT 3 AM

In recent weeks, the investigation has focused on a white 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra spotted near the crime scene at the time of the murders.

Fry said police recovered an Elantra but did not give details. NBC reported that an Elantra was removed from the property where Kohberger was arrested.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, was arrested Dec. 30, 2022, on four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in the alleged murder of four University of Idaho students.
(Monroe County Correctional Facility (Pennsylvania) via AP)

The police are still looking for the murder weapon. The police chief declined to answer questions about when the investigation focused on Kohberger or what specific evidence allegedly links him to the crime.

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Fry said the investigation is far from over and urged the public to continue submitting information.

« We’re still trying to build that image, » he said. « We’re putting all the pieces together and that will help. »

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to call 208-883-7180 ​​or tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.