Alleged Killer of Four University of Idaho Students to Plead Guilty

A criminology professor who previously advised Bryan Kohberger reflected on her interactions with him, raising questions about whether her teaching on serial killers may have influenced his actions. Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a professor at DeSales University, shared her thoughts in an interview, revealing that she encountered Kohberger when he was a student in 2018.

Ramsland described Kohberger as polite, respectful, intense, and curious. She noted that she did not see any warning signs during their interactions, which contrasted with her experiences studying others like the BTK serial killer. Her role as his instructor and advisor involved guiding him through forensic sciences, but she admits she never anticipated he would commit such violent crimes.

After Kohberger’s arrest in 2022, Ramsland initially tried to believe in his innocence but was skeptical when he provided a weak alibi that didn’t align with what she had taught about establishing whereabouts during a crime. Kohberger faced accusations for the murders of four students—Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen—and is expected to accept a plea deal soon to avoid the death penalty.

Under the agreement, he will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole, without needing to explain his motive publicly unless pressed in court. Ramsland expressed her frustration, stating she would like to question Kohberger to understand how he managed to deceive her and others.

Kohberger’s previous alibi was that he was out driving at the time of the murders, but it lacked credibility and failed to meet Idaho’s legal requirements for witness information. Ramsland expressed her curiosity about studying Kohberger’s development and triggers, believing he has the intellect to reflect on his own path to violence. She hopes that the plea deal will give her the chance to ask the questions that remain unanswered.