Suspect arrested in University of Idaho murders

By on Friday, December 30th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MOSCOW, Idaho – New information was released Friday afternoon on the arrest of man suspected of killing four University of Idaho students. Bryan Christopher Kohberger, 28, was taken into custody in eastern Pennsylvania early Friday morning.

Moscow Police Chief James Fry confirmed Kohberger resides in Pullman, Washington, and is a graduate student at Washington State University, which is located about 15 minutes from the crime scene where Ethan Chapin, 20; Xana Kernodle, 20; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; and Madison Mogen, 21 were all found stabbed to death on November 13.

Fry said police are still looking for a murder weapon, but did find a white Hyundai Elantra, which was spotted near the home at the time of the murders and was something investigators had focused on tracking down.

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

As for the criminal complaint, Thompson said it will be sealed until Kohberger returns to Idaho to face charges.

“This is not the end of the investigation,” Thompson said. “This is a new beginning.”

Thompson said Kohberger has made an initial court appearance in Pennsylvania and is being held without bond and that the warrant out of Idaho also provides for no bond. Kohberger is scheduled to be back in court Tuesday afternoon in Pennsylvania.

Kohberger can either waive extradition and return voluntarily to Idaho or if he prefers not to waive extradition, authorities will go through the governor’s office with extradition proceedings, according to Thompson.

Thompson urged people who know Kohberger to share any information they may have.