Bryan Kohberger’s Family: About the Idaho Murderer’s Parents and 2 Sisters

Bryan Kohberger, who admitted to killing four University of Idaho students, grew up with his parents in Pennsylvania.

In December 2022, Bryan was arrested at the home of his parents — Maryann and Michael — in Pennsylvania. He was charged with murdering four University of Idaho students who were killed the month before. The victims were Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, who were stabbed to death late at night in their off-campus house.

In January 2023, Bryan’s family made their first public statement. They said they were working with police to “promote his presumption of innocence.” They also shared condolences with the victims’ families, writing, “First and foremost we care deeply for the four families who have lost their precious children. There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel, and we pray each day for them.”

On July 2, 2025, Bryan pleaded guilty to the murders. At his sentencing on July 23, with his mother and sister Amanda present, he received four life sentences without parole and an additional 10 years for burglary.

Here’s what is known about Bryan Kohberger’s family.

His Parents Raised Him in Pennsylvania

Bryan’s parents, Maryann and Michael, raised him in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, according to CBS News. His mother worked in the school system, and his father was a maintenance employee.

The New York Times reported that Bryan earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from a local community college near his hometown.

He Has 2 Sisters

Bryan grew up with two sisters, Melissa and Amanda. CBS News noted that Amanda worked as a school counselor. In 2011, she also appeared in a low-budget horror film, Two Days Back, about students killed by a serial killer. Melissa has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.

Bryan Was Arrested at His Parents’ Home

In December 2022, Bryan was arrested at his family’s Pennsylvania home.

According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE, investigators linked him to the crime after DNA from trash at his parents’ home matched DNA from the knife sheath left at the murder scene.

Nearly two months later, a search warrant revealed that police found several items at the Kohbergers’ home in Albrightsville, Pa. These included knives, a Glock handgun with empty magazines, black clothing, masks, gloves, a leafy substance in a bag, and Bryan’s AT&T bill.

In August 2025, digital forensics expert Heather Barnhart told PEOPLE that Bryan called his mother multiple times on the morning of the murders. His first call was at 6:13 a.m., but Maryann didn’t answer. They later spoke for 36 minutes, followed by another 54-minute call at 8:03 a.m. Investigators believe these calls happened while Bryan was driving back to the crime scene. They spoke three more times that day, totaling three hours.

His Family Pledged to Support Him Before Trial

In their January 2023 statement, Bryan’s family said they would “let the legal process unfold” and “love and support our son and brother,” according to NBC News.

“We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions,” the statement said.

Bryan Ignored His Family During Sentencing

On July 23, 2025, Bryan was sentenced to four life terms. Although his mother and Amanda were at the courthouse, The New York Times reported that he ignored them after the sentencing. Maryann was seen crying and covering her face during the hearing.

During the victim impact statements, Madison Mogen’s grandmother, Kim Cheeley, also addressed Bryan’s family. She said, “My heart aches for the kids’ roommates, and the families of the other victims and also the family of the perpetrator.”