Bryan Kohberger became the face of the University of Idaho murder investigation after he was arrested and charged in the November 2022 killings of four college students: Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. Nearly three years later, the families of the victims delivered impact statements during Kohberger’s sentencing. But the one question that has yet to be answered is why Kohberger allegedly targeted and murdered the students.
Below, read the top theories about Kohberger’s alleged motive based on what investigators have said.
Who Is Bryan Kohberger & What Did He Do?
Kohberger is a 30-year old Pennsylvania native and former PhD student at Washington State University. He studied criminology and completed a master’s program in criminal justice.
Kohberger has been accused of fatally stabbing and killing the late four University of Idaho students: Kaylee, Madison, Xana and Ethan.
Who Are Bryan Kohberger’s Parents?
Michael Kohberger Jr. and MaryAnn Kohberger are reportedly the parents of the Idaho murder suspect.
Was Bryan Kohberger’s Family Present in Court?
The Kohberger family was not present during most of their son’s court hearings after his 2022 arrest. However, they were seen visiting Kohberger the night the day before his sentencing, and they were present during his July 2, 2025, hearing to change his not guilty plea to guilty.
Did Bryan Kohberger Take the Plea Deal?
Yes, Kohberger accepted the plea deal to avoid the death penalty. About three weeks before his sentencing, Kohberger faced the judge and was asked, “Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?” to which Kohberger replied, “Yes.”
“Did you on November 13, 2022, enter the residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, with the intent to commit the felony crime of murder?” the judge asked Kohbeger, to which the latter said, “Yes.”
Did Bryan Kohberger Target Madison ‘Maddie’ Mogen?
There is no concrete evidence proving whether or not Kohberger targeted Maddie specifically. Prosecutors pointed out that Maddie was the first of the four victims to be stabbed. A knife sheath carrying Kohberger’s DNA was found underneath her body.
In their book, The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy, author James Patterson and investigative reporter Vicky Ward shared their theory about Kohberger allegedly targeting Maddie.
“There was consensus that it was Maddie that Kohberger was going for. And the victims’ families, I think, would all agree with that,” Ward told ABC News.
Did Bryan Kohberger Know the Students?
Moscow, Idaho, police said Kohberger’s cellphone records revealed that his phone appeared close to the victims’ off-campus college home on at least 12 different occasions between August and November 2022, the night of the quadruple murder.
Theories on Bryan Kohberger’s Alleged Motive
A few theories have been shared in the murder investigation. One of them points to Kohberger’s criminology education and that he was inspired to carry out a real murder.
Another theory alleges that Kohberger was bullied earlier in life and that he wanted to feel in control by committing a crime.
People, including some of the victims’ inner circle, believe that Kohberger stalked some of the students.
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