Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of brutally murdering four University of Idaho students, was previously investigated for a home invasion case eerily resembling his alleged crimes. This incident occurred just over a year before the tragic stabbings, strengthening the spotlight on Kohberger as he awaits trial set for August 2025.
According to reports, authorities were called to respond to the alleged home invasion at approximately 3:30 AM on October 2021, just ten miles from the University of Idaho. Body camera footage obtained by ABC News shows police arriving at the scene where the female resident described her terrifying encounter with the masked intruder armed with a knife.
“I heard my door open and I looked over and someone was wearing a ski mask and had a knife. And so I kicked the [expletive] out of their stomach and screamed super loud, and they like flew back...,” the resident recounted during the police investigation.
The victim’s roommate immediately dialed 911, but police found no evidence or suspect upon arrival. The intruder's complete silence during the incident has drawn parallels to the night of the Idaho murders when Kohberger allegedly entered the home of students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing them between 4:00 and 4:25 AM on November 13, 2022.
Thirteen days after Kohberger's arrest for the Idaho murders, he was named as a person of interest in the Pullman home invasion case. Nevertheless, key details raised concerns among investigators about his involvement. Kohberger stands at 6 feet tall, whereas the home invasion victim described her assailant as being between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 5 inches tall.
An important factor contributing to Kohberger being ruled out as the home invasion suspect came from the absence of any solid evidence linking him to the crime scene. “We have no reason or evidence to believe he was involved in this burglary at this time,” stated the Pullman Police Department.
While the home invasion remains unsolved, legal experts speculate it could influence Kohberger's defense strategy. Brian Buckmire, a legal analyst, suggested, “Without a doubt, Bryan Kohberger’s defense team is going to try to raise reasonable doubt by pointing to an alternative suspect.” Buckmire's comments highlight how the home invasion case, with its undeniable similarities to the Idaho murders, may become part of Kohberger's defense narrative.
Investigators have noted numerous parallels between both incidents: both involved intruders wearing masks and wielding knives, and both assaults took place during the early morning hours, with the home invasion occurring just minutes prior to the Idaho killings.
Kohberger, who was pursuing his Ph.D. at Washington State University near Pullman at the time of the stabbings, remains under scrutiny as his trial looms. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the murder of the four students and is facing the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. With his hearing scheduled for January 23, 2025, the legal proceedings continue to attract national attention.
The home invasion incident introduced questions about the process and depth of investigations conducted by law enforcement; as the victim expressed her frustrations about her case not being resolved. “My family and I have been frustrated with the case not being investigated more deeply or resolved,” she lamented.
While Kohberger's connection to the home invasion investigation has led to significant debate and speculation, it is still uncertain how much impact it will have during his trial for the murders of the four University of Idaho students. The chains of these interconnected cases highlight the need for thorough investigations, especially when one crime appears to reflect another.
