Bryan Kohberger Believed in Death Penalty, College Classmate…

Bryan Kohberger’s Support for the Death Penalty: Insights from a College Classmate

Bryan Kohberger, the former criminology Ph.D. student convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, reportedly expressed strong support for the death penalty during his time at Washington State University (WSU), according to a classmate’s statements in newly released police documents. This revelation, detailed in 2025 news reports, contrasts with Kohberger’s eventual plea deal to avoid capital punishment. Below is a comprehensive overview of the classmate’s claims, the context of Kohberger’s views, and their implications, optimized for US readers and Google SEO.

Details of the Classmate’s Claims

In August 2025, the Idaho State Police released over 500 pages of investigative documents related to the Kohberger case, including an interview with a redacted WSU classmate. The key points are:

• Support for the Death Penalty: During a class discussion on victimization and stalking on college campuses, Kohberger was the only student in his Ph.D. program to advocate for capital punishment. He argued that victims’ families should have a say in whether the death penalty is imposed, using a hypothetical scenario to make his point. He asked the classmate, a woman, what she would want done if her 12-year-old daughter was raped and murdered, a question that deeply upset her and led to tears during the police interview.
• Disturbing Classroom Behavior: The classmate described Kohberger as confrontational and dismissive. When she challenged his treatment of her and other women in the class, he reportedly said, “I care how you feel, but you are wrong,” showing a lack of empathy. Another student called him a “narcissist” who sought to be the “strongest, smartest, most important person in the room.”
• Interest in True Crime: Kohberger frequently discussed the Ted Bundy murders with the classmate, knowing her interest in true crime, and studied sexual burglars and their motivations, which later raised red flags given his crimes.
• Complaints at WSU: Documents reveal Kohberger faced 13 formal complaints at WSU for behavior described as “homophobic, ableist, xenophobic, and misogynistic,” including a verbal altercation with a professor. These issues led to his dismissal as a teaching assistant in December 2022, shortly after the murders.

Context of Kohberger’s Views and Plea Deal

Kohberger’s vocal support for the death penalty, expressed in 2022, is particularly ironic given his legal strategy. In July 2025, he pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, securing a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole plus 10 years for burglary on July 23, 2025.

• Plea Deal Details: The deal, finalized on July 2, 2025, spared Kohberger from Idaho’s death penalty, which includes lethal injection or firing squad (effective July 1, 2026). He waived his right to appeal or seek leniency, ensuring life imprisonment. The decision divided victims’ families, with Mogen’s family supporting closure, while Goncalves’ family felt “let down” by the lack of a full trial and motive disclosure.
• Contrast with Family Views: Kohberger’s mother, Maryann, wrote in a 2008 Pocono Record article that she opposed the death penalty, calling it “state-sanctified murder.” This contrasts sharply with her son’s classroom stance, highlighting a personal contradiction.

Implications of the Revelation

Kohberger’s support for the death penalty adds a layer of complexity to his case:

• Psychological Profile: His advocacy, paired with his study of criminology and interest in serial killers like Ted Bundy, suggests a fascination with crime and punishment, which may have informed his actions. The classmate’s description of his narcissism and lack of empathy aligns with behaviors noted in court documents.
• Public and Family Reaction: The revelation, reported by outlets like TMZ, Fox News, and People, has fueled outrage among victims’ families, particularly the Goncalves family, who wanted a trial to uncover Kohberger’s motives. X posts reflect public shock, with users like @TheBlastNews and @people amplifying the irony of Kohberger avoiding a punishment he once endorsed.
• Legal and Ethical Questions: The case raises questions about judicial leniency and plea deals in high-profile cases. Critics argue that Kohberger’s guilty plea avoided a costly trial but left unanswered questions about his motives, which remain a mystery despite extensive evidence like DNA, cellphone data, and surveillance footage.

Step-by-Step Guide for Understanding and Engaging with the Case

For those following the Kohberger case or interested in its legal and social implications, here’s how to stay informed and engage:

1. Review Primary Sources:

• Access the 500+ pages of Idaho State Police documents released in August 2025, available via the Moscow Police Department’s website or news outlets like Fox News.
• Check federal court dockets (e.g., PACER) for case updates, though most filings are in Idaho’s Ada County District Court.

1. Understand the Legal Context:

• Research Idaho’s death penalty laws, including the 2023 firing squad legislation, to grasp why Kohberger’s plea deal was significant.
• Consult legal analyses on platforms like law360.com for insights into plea deals and insurance disputes.

1. Monitor Victim Family Perspectives:

• Follow statements from the Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle, and Chapin families via news reports or their social media (e.g., Goncalves’ Facebook page).
• Respect their differing views on the plea deal, as Mogen’s family supports it while Goncalves’ family seeks harsher justice.

1. Engage with Public Discourse:

• Check X for real-time sentiment, but treat posts as opinions, not evidence (e.g., @CoffindafferFBI’s posts on justice for victims).
• Join discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/IdahoMurders for community insights, ensuring critical evaluation of claims.

1. Explore Related Issues:

• Learn about food insecurity or poverty-driven crime, as some X users draw parallels to survival-based theft cases, though unrelated to Kohberger.
• Research criminology programs to understand the academic context of Kohberger’s views, via WSU’s website or similar institutions.

Current Status and Next Steps

As of August 20, 2025, Kohberger is serving four life sentences without parole at an Idaho Department of Corrections facility, following his July 23 sentencing. The classmate’s revelations, released on August 18–19, 2025, are part of ongoing document disclosures by the Moscow Police Department, shedding light on Kohberger’s mindset before the murders. No further legal proceedings are expected, as he waived appeal rights, but public interest remains high due to unresolved questions about his motives.

To stay updated:

• Monitor news outlets like BBC, NBC, or People for additional document releases or family statements.
• Visit the Moscow Police Department’s website for new investigative files.
• Engage with reputable sources to avoid misinformation, as X posts may exaggerate or misreport details.

Final Thoughts

Bryan Kohberger’s support for the death penalty, as revealed by a WSU classmate, underscores the chilling irony of his plea deal to avoid execution for the 2022 Idaho murders. His classroom advocacy, contrasted with his mother’s opposition and his own legal outcome, deepens the case’s complexity. For those seeking justice or closure, the lack of a trial leaves lingering questions, but the released documents offer insight into Kohberger’s character. Stay informed through credible sources like court records or major news outlets, and approach social media claims critically. This case continues to resonate, highlighting the intersection of criminology, justice, and human tragedy.