Bryan Kohberger Evidence Photos Show Loving Birthday Cards Killer Received Days After Murders

New photos from Idaho State Police show the apartment where Bryan Kohberger lived when he murdered four University of Idaho students.

Kohberger, a former criminology student, was living in an on-campus residence at Washington State University while pursuing a doctoral degree.

More than 500 images from his apartment were obtained by PEOPLE, showing items like textbooks, exams, hair follicles, and possible blood stains.

The photos also include birthday cards Kohberger received less than two weeks after the murders, when he turned 28 on Nov. 21, 2022.

Both cards were in envelopes without postage marks, suggesting they were part of a larger package.

The first card appears to be from Kohberger’s parents. One message reads: “A son leaves your home but never leaves your heart. He discovers his own happiness which, in turn, becomes yours.” The envelope is decorated with hand-drawn hearts and says, “Happy Birthday Bryan!”

The second card likely came from one of Kohberger’s two sisters, based on limited contacts found on his phone by digital forensics experts who spoke with PEOPLE. This card is addressed to “Bryeeerrnnn,” with a note on the back that reads: “I did not lick it b/c #covid,” supporting reports that Kohberger is a germaphobe.

The cover of the card features a cartoon of former president Theodore Roosevelt riding a dinosaur, along with the quote: “Speak softly and carry a big stick. Unless you can ride a dinosaur. Then do that instead.” The sender labeled both the dinosaur and Roosevelt as his “egos” and added: “You are a dino + professor LMAO.”

Inside, the card shows “Bryem,” the date “11/21/22,” and a smiley face drawn in blue highlighter. The rest of the message is redacted, except for a pre-printed punchline: “Happy birthday! Celebrate like a boss!”

At the time, Kohberger was keeping a low profile. The murders on Nov. 13, 2022, had already become major news stories. He was arrested a little over a month later at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania during the holidays.

Kohberger’s mother, whom he called after committing the murders, and his sister were present in July when he was sentenced to four life sentences for killing Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20.

Even after his confession, Kohberger has not publicly explained why he killed the four college students.