No Links Found: Kohberger’s Connection to the Idaho Victims Remains Elusive
Bryan Kohberger has been revealed to have no discernible connection, either in person or online, to any of the four University of Idaho students he was convicted of murdering, as stated by investigators following his sentencing on Wednesday.
Idaho State Police Lt. Darren Gilbertson confirmed in a press conference post-hearing, “To this date, we have not identified a single link between him and any of the four victims, or the two surviving roommates.”
“We utilized every resource at our disposal and approached this case with relentless determination,” he added.
Kohberger appeared in court at the Ada County Courthouse on July 23, 2025, facing sentencing for the brutal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Ethan Chapin, 20, which occurred nearly three years prior.
Since his arrest in December 2022, speculation has circulated regarding his motivations for targeting the victims.
One theory suggested he had dined at a local restaurant where two of the victims worked and may have developed an infatuation. However, the restaurant’s owner dismissed this notion, stating that Kohberger never visited.
Other claims indicated that Kohberger had attempted to reach out to one of the victims on social media, but received no response, potentially inciting his anger.
However, investigators clarified during the Wednesday briefing that no social media interactions had been discovered between Kohberger and the victims.
Furthermore, authorities dismissed rumors about Kohberger participating in Facebook groups under the alias "Pappa Rodger," emphasizing that they confirmed he was not associated with the user, who exhibited extensive knowledge of the case and engaged in unsettling discussions.
A post from that account accurately predicted the discovery of a fixed-blade knife sheath, providing chilling insights into the case.
Authorities remain uncertain about Kohberger’s actual aim during the assault, as underscored by their statements.
Investigative commentators, including authors Vicky Ward and James Patterson in their recent book “The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy,” have speculated that Mogen may have been a target, suggesting that Kohberger’s actions might have mirrored those of the notorious incel Elliot Rodger.
Rodger, who carried a disdain for women, killed six individuals after being rebuffed by a sorority member and is thought to have influenced Kohberger’s motives, with the book proposing that the defendant found a figure to scapegoat.
“It was her room he went straight to, easily visible from the street if one parked at the cul-de-sac behind,” Ward noted.
Kohberger did not provide any explanation for his actions during the four-hour sentencing hearing, simply stating, “I respectfully decline” when afforded the chance to speak.
As part of a guilty plea agreement made earlier in July, he was sentenced to four life sentences without the possibility of parole.
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