Investigation Reveals Past Break-In Linked to Idaho Murder Suspect

Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of the Idaho quadruple murders, was previously investigated for an armed, late-night break-in at a home occupied by college women. According to newly released documents, the incident bears striking similarities to the murders he later admitted to committing.

In October 2021, police in Pullman responded to a report of a masked intruder wielding a knife who entered a residence of four sorority sisters around 3:30 a.m. The intruder stood over one of the women’s beds before being confronted. The victim kicked him in the abdomen, causing the intruder to flee without speaking. The woman’s roommate called authorities after hearing her scream and being informed of the incident.

University of Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger was investigated in Washington for breaking into a home full of college girls with a knife. Moscow Police Department

This break-in predates Kohberger’s later crime spree in Idaho, where he murdered four students and their roommate in November 2022 using a knife. The suspect was known for wearing a ski mask, consistent with what the Pullman victim described. Interestingly, the incident in Pullman occurred eight months before Kohberger enrolled at Washington State University, during a weekend when the university’s Criminal Justice department hosted an event for incoming students. However, records indicate he did not attend that event.

Aerial view of the house where four students were murdered in Idaho.

Additional communications between Kohberger and the Pullman police emerged, showing he had emailed the department about a Ph.D. research position. He interviewed in April 2022 and expressed enthusiasm in follow-up messages. Kohberger is now held in a maximum-security facility after being sentenced to four life terms for the Idaho murders.