Brian Kohberger: Idaho college killer’s former classmate tells police why she thinks he killed four students

Almost three years after the murders of four University of Idaho students, Bryan Kohberger’s motive remains unclear. But one of his classmates at Washington State University has told police why she believes he killed.

On the night of November 13, 2022, Kohberger brutally stabbed roommates Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen at their off-campus home. Two other roommates escaped harm but remain deeply affected.

Kohberger has been sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The 30-year-old former criminology doctoral student appeared expressionless in court when families shared emotional statements.

“I’m unable to find anything redeemable about Mr Kohberger,” Judge Steven Hippler said.

“His actions have made him the worst of the worst.”

Kohberger pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. When asked if he wished to speak at sentencing, he said, “I respectfully decline.”

In an interview with Idaho State Police, obtained by People the doctoral student that studied alongside him, said Kohberger “committed these homicides because he wanted to know what it felt like to commit these crimes in relation to his studies and ultimately if he could get away with the crimes, further supporting his belief that he was smarter than others.”

She added: “Committing these crimes and (Kohberger’s) need to control others is consistent with his personality.”

The classmate, who saw Kohberger daily during the semester, said he was “calculated” and a “narcissist,” and that his questions after his arrest were “an attempt by him to throw people off and not that he had a friend or acquaintance.”

She told police it had crossed her mind that he could have been responsible. Other students also remembered discussing the ongoing murders with Kohberger before his arrest.

According to her, Kohberger never once showed empathy: “In all the times she had interacted with Kohberger, he had never displayed empathy toward another person.”

She told detectives she ultimately found he had no redeeming qualities: Detective Sergeant Michael Van Leuven noted in his summary of the interview that “she wanted to think he was just socially inept, but after knowing him, she believes that Kohberger always thinks he is the smartest person in the room and has expressed resentment or jealousy at their successes.”

One surviving roommate, Dylan Mortensen, spoke tearfully during sentencing in July 2025, saying, “He didn’t just take their lives, he took the light they carried into every room.”

Authorities admitted they found no motive or connection between Kohberger and the victims despite an extensive investigation. “There is no reason for these crimes that could approach anything resembling rationality,” Judge Hippler said.

“By continuing to focus on why, we continue to give Mr Kohberger relevance. It is time to end Mr Kohberger’s 15 minutes of fame.”

Kohberger also received a 10-year sentence for burglary related to the case.