Theories of motivation for killing students: Brian Cockberger is the man in charge
23 july 2025 в 20:37
Brian Kohberger became the face of the investigation into the murder at the University of Idaho after he was arrested and charged with the murder of four college students in November 2022: Kaylee Gonzalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. Nearly three years later, the families of the victims made statements during Kohberger’s sentencing. But one question that still remains unanswered is why Kohberger allegedly targeted and killed the students.
Below are the main theories about Kohberger’s presumed motive based on what investigators have said.
Kohberger is a 30-year-old from Pennsylvania and a former graduate student at Washington State University. He studied criminology and completed a master’s program in criminal justice.
Kohberger was charged with the murder of four late students at the University of Idaho: Kaylee, Madison, Xana, and Ethan.
Michael Kohberger Jr. and MaryAnn Kohberger, reportedly, are the parents of the murder suspect in Idaho.
The Kohberger family did not attend most of their son’s court hearings after his arrest in 2022. However, they were seen visiting Kohberger the day before his sentencing, and they were present at his hearing on July 2, 2025, to change their plea from not guilty to guilty.
Yes, Kohberger accepted a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. About three weeks before his sentencing, Kohberger stood before a judge and was asked, «Do you plead guilty because you are guilty?» to which Kohberger replied, «Yes».
«Did you enter the house at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho on November 13, 2022, with the intent to commit murder?» the judge asked Kohberger, to which he replied, «Yes».
There is no concrete evidence that Maddie was Kohberger’s target. The prosecution indicated that Maddie was the first of the four victims he killed. Kohberger’s DNA sheaths were found under her body.
In their book «Idaho Four: An American Tragedy», - author James Patterson and investigator Vicky Ward shared their theory that Kohberger presumably chose Maddie as his target.
«There is agreement that it was Maddie who was Kohberger’s target. And the families of the victims, I think, would all agree with that», - Ward said on ABC News.
Moscow, Idaho police said Kohberger’s phone records showed his phone appearing near the students' house off-campus at least 12 times between August and November 2022, on the night of the quadruple murder.
Several theories were put forward in the murder investigation. One of them points to Kohberger’s education in criminology and the fact that he was inspired to commit the actual murder.
Another theory claims that Kohberger was bullied as a child and wanted to feel in control by committing a crime.
People, including some close to the victims, believe that Kohberger was stalking some of the students
Below are the main theories about Kohberger’s presumed motive based on what investigators have said.
Kohberger is a 30-year-old from Pennsylvania and a former graduate student at Washington State University. He studied criminology and completed a master’s program in criminal justice.
Kohberger was charged with the murder of four late students at the University of Idaho: Kaylee, Madison, Xana, and Ethan.
Michael Kohberger Jr. and MaryAnn Kohberger, reportedly, are the parents of the murder suspect in Idaho.
The Kohberger family did not attend most of their son’s court hearings after his arrest in 2022. However, they were seen visiting Kohberger the day before his sentencing, and they were present at his hearing on July 2, 2025, to change their plea from not guilty to guilty.
Yes, Kohberger accepted a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. About three weeks before his sentencing, Kohberger stood before a judge and was asked, «Do you plead guilty because you are guilty?» to which Kohberger replied, «Yes».
«Did you enter the house at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho on November 13, 2022, with the intent to commit murder?» the judge asked Kohberger, to which he replied, «Yes».
There is no concrete evidence that Maddie was Kohberger’s target. The prosecution indicated that Maddie was the first of the four victims he killed. Kohberger’s DNA sheaths were found under her body.
In their book «Idaho Four: An American Tragedy», - author James Patterson and investigator Vicky Ward shared their theory that Kohberger presumably chose Maddie as his target.
«There is agreement that it was Maddie who was Kohberger’s target. And the families of the victims, I think, would all agree with that», - Ward said on ABC News.
Moscow, Idaho police said Kohberger’s phone records showed his phone appearing near the students' house off-campus at least 12 times between August and November 2022, on the night of the quadruple murder.
Several theories were put forward in the murder investigation. One of them points to Kohberger’s education in criminology and the fact that he was inspired to commit the actual murder.
Another theory claims that Kohberger was bullied as a child and wanted to feel in control by committing a crime.
People, including some close to the victims, believe that Kohberger was stalking some of the students
© Puhova Marina
