Sister Warned Bryan Kohberger About ‘Psycho Killer’ Before His Arrest in Idaho Murders
BOISE, Idaho — In a chilling twist to the investigation of the 2022 University of Idaho murders, Bryan Kohberger’s younger sister revealed she warned him to be cautious of a “psycho killer” on the loose — not knowing she was speaking to the man later convicted of the brutal slayings. Mel Kohberger recounted the conversation in a recent interview, expressing alarm after hearing about the murders of Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves, who were killed in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.
“Bryan, you are running outside, and this psycho killer is on the loose,” Mel said she told her brother. “Be careful.” Bryan thanked her for the warning and assured her he would be safe. Mel’s concern stemmed from Bryan’s habit of late-night jogs and leaving his door unlocked, habits that made her uneasy amid the ongoing investigation.
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders in July 2025, bringing closure to a case that gripped the nation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation had conducted an extensive investigation, which included analyzing phone records and vehicle data, before his arrest on December 30, 2022.
Mel also shed light on Bryan’s troubled past, recalling how he was bullied as a teenager and struggled with heroin addiction. According to online posts from his youth, Bryan described himself as having “no emotion” and “little remorse,” feelings that alarmed family and friends. Despite these challenges, Mel said Bryan had sought treatment and was making progress, which gave the family hope for his future.
“We were all so proud of him because he had overcome so much,” Mel said. However, she emphasized that she never saw him as violent. Bryan’s social awkwardness and abrasive personality did not, in her view, foreshadow the horrific crimes he would later admit to.
In the days before the FBI raid on the family’s Pennsylvania home, Bryan did not discuss the murders, though he mentioned the ongoing investigation once. His arrest shocked his family, particularly Mel, who described receiving a phone call from their older sister, Amanda, informing her of the news.
The case highlighted the complexities of human behavior and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving violent crimes. The Department of Justice and local authorities worked closely to bring the perpetrator to justice, employing forensic evidence and digital data analysis.
As the community continues to heal from the tragedy, the revelations from Bryan Kohberger’s family add a poignant layer to the story — a reminder of the unexpected faces behind headline-making crimes. For more on the investigation and legal proceedings, visit the Idaho Statesman coverage and the Office of Justice Programs for updates on victim support and criminal justice resources.
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