Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of killing four University of Idaho students, is reportedly having a hard time in prison. According to new reports, other inmates are taunting him daily, and he has already complained to prison guards about the abuse.
The 30-year-old former criminology Ph.D. student pleaded guilty last month to killing Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. The murders took place in 2022. His plea deal helped him avoid the death penalty, but he received four life sentences without parole, plus an extra 10 years.
Kohberger is now being held in “J Block” at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution near Boise. This section of the prison houses high-risk inmates in single cells. Prisoners there get one hour of outdoor time per day, showers every other day, and very limited interaction with others.
Even though he is separated from other inmates, several of them are reportedly yelling at him through air vents and grates. Former detective Chris McDonough told the Daily Mail that inmates are “taking turns” taunting him and that the harassment is constant.
Former prison pastor Keith Rovere believes the bullying is getting to Kohberger. “He’s not even a month in, and he’s already losing control,” Rovere said. “Serial killers tend to be control freaks, and now he has no control.” Rovere warned that complaining to guards could make things worse because other inmates may see him as a “rat” and increase their harassment.
Prison officials told NewsNation they are aware of Kohberger’s complaints but said communication between inmates is common. They stressed that he is housed alone and that staff work to maintain a safe environment.
Kohberger has been described as socially awkward and has a history of clashing with other inmates. While awaiting trial in county jail, one prisoner said he was a “weirdo” and that he might have attacked him if there were no consequences.
Another well-known inmate in J Block is Chad Daybell, who is on death row for the murders of his ex-wife and two stepchildren. It’s unclear if Daybell has been involved in the reported harassment.
