Possible Link Uncovered? Idaho Murder Suspect Had Previous Brush With the Law

Yellow crime scene tape with people in background.

New details emerge in the University of Idaho murders case as suspect Bryan Kohberger is linked to a previous home invasion investigation.

At a Glance

Bryan Kohberger was investigated for a 2021 home invasion in Pullman, Washington, 10 miles from the Idaho murder scene.
Similarities between the Pullman break-in and Moscow homicides include a masked intruder and knife.
Kohberger was later ruled out as a suspect in the Pullman case but faces charges for the Idaho murders.
The trial for the Idaho murders is set to begin on July 30, 2025, in Ada County, Boise.
Prosecutors claim Kohberger’s DNA was found at the Idaho crime scene, while he maintains his innocence.

Kohberger’s Connection to Earlier Home Invasion

Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the murders of four University of Idaho students, was previously investigated for a home invasion in Pullman, Washington. The incident occurred in October 2021, approximately 10 miles from the site of the Moscow, Idaho killings in November 2022. This revelation has sparked renewed interest in Kohberger’s past and potential patterns of behavior.

The Pullman incident involved a masked intruder entering a woman’s bedroom at 3:30 am. The victim provided a chilling account of the encounter:

“I heard my door open and I looked over, and someone was wearing a ski mask and had a knife, I kicked the s*** out of their stomach and screamed super loud. They flew back into my closet and then ran out my door and up the stairs.”

This description bears striking similarities to aspects of the Moscow murders, where survivors reported seeing a masked man fleeing the scene.

Investigation and Connections

Kohberger was investigated but never charged in the Pullman incident. He was named a person of interest in this case 13 days after the Moscow murders. However, authorities have since stated that Kohberger is no longer considered a person of interest in the Pullman case.

The similarities between the two cases, including a masked intruder and the presence of a knife, initially raised suspicions. However, differences in suspect descriptions and other factors ultimately led to Kohberger being ruled out of the Pullman case.

Moscow Murders and Ongoing Trial

Kohberger, a Ph.D. criminology student, was arrested weeks after the Idaho murders. He now faces four first-degree murder charges and a felony burglary charge for the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.

Prosecutors claim Kohberger’s DNA was found on a knife sheath at the crime scene, and cell phone data places him in the area at the time of the murders. Kohberger has maintained his innocence, citing “late night drives” as his alibi.

The trial is set to begin on July 30, 2025, in Ada County, Boise. It is expected to last through November, with phases to determine Kohberger’s guilt and potential death penalty. As the case progresses, investigators continue to scrutinize Kohberger’s past, seeking to uncover any potential links to other criminal activities.

The ongoing investigation and upcoming trial continue to captivate public attention, as the families of the victims and the community seek justice for the tragic loss of four young lives.