Nationwide — Bryan Kohberger, who was convicted of killing four University of Idaho students, is complaining about being harassed in prison just weeks after receiving multiple life sentences without parole. Reports say fellow inmates are tormenting him day and night.
The 30-year-old former criminology Ph.D. student pleaded guilty last month to the murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. The plea agreement spared him from the death penalty that prosecutors intended to pursue.
Kohberger is serving his sentence at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution outside Boise, in a restricted area known as J Block. The unit houses high-risk inmates in single-person cells, allowing one hour of outdoor time daily and showers every other day. Though physically isolated, prisoners can still communicate through vents and grates.
According to Fox 13 Seattle, other inmates have allegedly “joined forces” to target Kohberger, shouting at him through the ventilation system at all hours. Former detective Chris McDonough described the harassment as “relentless” and happens almost around the clock.
Former prison pastor Keith Rovere believes Kohberger is already under severe mental strain. He warned that complaining to guards could worsen his situation, as such behavior could label him a “rat” and encourage more abuse. Experts note that his notoriety, the brutality of his crimes, and lack of prison experience make him especially vulnerable.
Prison officials acknowledged they are aware of Kohberger’s complaints but said inmate-to-inmate communication is common. Records also show he has had run-ins with others in custody before, including a verbal altercation during a video call with his mother.
Kohberger, originally from Pennsylvania, studied serial killers in his graduate program and has been described as socially awkward. He now serves his sentence alongside other infamous criminals, including convicted murderer Chad Daybell, although there is no evidence linking Daybell to the alleged harassment.