Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of brutally murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, is reportedly being harassed relentlessly by fellow inmates at the state’s most secure prison.
The 30-year-old former Washington State University criminology Ph.D. student pleaded guilty last month to the killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. His plea spared him the death penalty, but he was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole.
Life in Isolation — But Not in Peace
Kohberger is now housed in restrictive housing on J Block inside the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, just outside Boise. The unit holds up to 128 inmates, including those on death row and in protective custody.
Restrictive housing means he is in his cell for 23 hours a day, with one hour of outdoor recreation. But inmates in nearby cells have reportedly made it their mission to torment him.
“They are literally getting up into the grate and yelling at him,” retired homicide detective Chris McDonough told the Daily Mail. “It’s relentless… taunting him through the vents in his cell.”
Complaints Backfire in Prison Culture
McDonough says the harassment has gotten under Kohberger’s skin to the point he’s complained to guards about losing sleep. But former prison minister Keith Rovere told Fox News Digital that speaking up is a mistake in prison.
“You can’t do that in prison. You stay silent and keep your mouth shut,” Rovere said, warning that complaining could get him labeled a “rat” — making him an even bigger target.
“A Target for Life”
Former inmate Seth Ferranti said Kohberger should expect to be targeted for the rest of his life. “Child molesters, rapists, and woman beaters get smashed — and he’ll be stereotyped like that,” Ferranti told Fox News.
Kohberger showed no emotion last month as the victims’ families addressed him directly in court.
