- Bryan Kohberger’s online searches for disturbing content, including Ted Bundy and nonconsensual pornography, raise concerns about his involvement in the Idaho murders.
- Surveillance footage and DNA evidence link Kohberger to the crime scene before and after the killings.
- Kohberger’s defense claims an alibi, but cell phone data contradicts this, and his trial is set for August 11.
Bryan Kohberger is the prime suspect in the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students. In the weeks leading up to the killings, Kohberger allegedly searched online for disturbing content. Police reports revealed that he searched for topics such as Ted Bundy and pornography involving nonconsensual acts. According to NBC News, these searches included terms like “forced,” “passed out,” “drugged,” and “sleeping.” This troubling behavior raises serious concerns about his actions before the murders. These details shed new light on his possible motivations and mindsets leading up to the crime.
A Possible Connection to Ted Bundy
Kohberger’s search for Ted Bundy, a famous serial killer, stands out. He worked as a teaching assistant in a criminology class both before and after the murders. This connection could explain his interest in Bundy, who has been a subject of study for many criminology students. However, there is also another possibility. Kohberger’s mother wrote an op-ed about Ted Bundy in 1999. The article went viral after Kohberger’s arrest. By the time he was arrested, Kohberger had no access to a phone or a computer, which means he couldn’t have accessed the op-ed directly. His search might have been linked to these personal connections.
Disturbing Online Searches
Kohberger’s online searches raise red flags. He looked up pornographic content involving nonconsensual acts. The search terms used suggest a pattern of behavior that is deeply troubling. The terms included “passed out,” “drugged,” and “sleeping,” which indicate a focus on individuals in vulnerable situations. This kind of search history may point to a disturbing mindset that Kohberger could have been developing in the months leading up to the murders. These online behaviors could suggest that Kohberger was grappling with dark and violent thoughts.
Surveillance Footage and Kohberger’s Car
Police obtained surveillance footage that further connects Kohberger to the crime scene. The video shows a car similar to Kohberger’s near the house where the four victims were killed. The footage was taken both before and after the stabbings occurred. The four victims—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were killed on November 13, 2022. They were found stabbed to death in a home they shared with two roommates. The video footage provides another important piece of evidence linking Kohberger to the crime.
DNA and Cell Phone Evidence Point to Kohberger
DNA and cell phone evidence also play a crucial role in linking Kohberger to the murders. Authorities found DNA on a knife sheath at the crime scene. This DNA was traced back to Kohberger through genetic genealogy websites. Furthermore, Kohberger’s cell phone records provided vital information. His phone connected to a cell tower near the murder house 23 times over four months. Police tracked his phone’s movements and found that it always connected after sunset. The last recorded visit occurred just six days before the murders, further linking him to the crime.
Kohberger’s Alibi and Defense
Kohberger’s defense has presented an alibi for the night of the murders. His lawyer, Anne Taylor, claimed that Kohberger was driving alone on the night of the killings and did not commit the murders. However, this alibi has been called into question. Cell phone data contradicts his defense. The evidence shows that his phone was consistently near the crime scene. This raises doubts about the accuracy of the alibi presented by his defense team.
Kohberger’s Trial and the Possibility of Death Penalty
Kohberger’s trial is scheduled to begin on August 11. The defense successfully petitioned for a change of venue, meaning the trial will take place in a different location. If convicted, Kohberger faces the death penalty. He has maintained his innocence, telling his public defender that he expects to be exonerated. When Kohberger was formally charged with the murders, he chose not to enter a plea. The judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The trial will be a crucial moment in determining whether he is guilty or not.
Prosecutors and Defense Lawyers Stay Silent
Both the prosecution and the defense have remained silent about the case. Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson and Kohberger’s lawyer, Anne Taylor, are prohibited from making public statements. A non-dissemination order was filed shortly after Kohberger’s arrest. This order prevents both sides from discussing the case publicly. As a result, there has been no official comment from either side since the latest developments in the case.
