Idaho College Murders: Aunt of Suspect Bryan Kohberger Believes ‘Quiet’ Nephew ‘May Try and Kill Himself’

The aunt of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho college murders, believes her “quiet” nephew will be found guilty at trial and “may try and kill himself” if he goes to prison, according to a new report.

The U.S. Sun spoke with some of Kohberger’s relatives, who described the case as “surreal” and one they would like to distance themselves from, if possible.

The family members told the publication Kohberger was an “odd character” and “very reclusive” growing up. They also revealed they never saw any indication he could be violent and were left in shock when the learned he was a suspect in the murder case.

In November 2022, Kohberger, 28, was studying for a Ph.D. in criminology at Washington State University when police believe he broke into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and fatally stabbed four students — Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.

Kohberger was eventually identified as a suspect and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty in the case.

His aunt, who wanted to remain anonymous, told The Sun she has trouble watching any news about the slayings.

"When I saw it on TV, I was just lost for words ... speechless," she said.

The U.S. Sun reported that when asked if she thinks Kohberger could be convicted, the aunt responded, "I think so. I just want the truth."

While the aunt said she feels bad for the victims’ families, she claimed Kohberger was “not well” when the murders occurred and he allegedly for years has battled mental health issues.

If convicted, Kohberger could be sentenced to the death penalty. If he were to get life behind bars, his aunt said, “I think he may try and kill himself.”

The aunt told The Sun that she had flown Kohberger and his family out to Las Vegas multiple times in the past, and she described him as a shy and troubled teenager.

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"To me, he was humble and quiet; I didn't see any violence in him," the aunt said. "But if you're not on the right medication, you can be triggered. I think he may have snapped.”

While she had seen Kohberger and his family in Vegas, the aunt said she hadn’t spent time with her nephew in over five years before his arrest.

The next hearing in Kohberger's case, the defense’s motion to dismiss the grand jury indictment, is scheduled for Oct. 26.