Bryan Kohberger Called His Mother After Idaho Murders — Once When He Got Home and Again While Driving Back to Crime Scene (Exclusive)

Bryan Kohberger’s Phone Calls to his Mother Unveiled in Idaho Murders Case

Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology student, made two significant phone calls to his mother following the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students, providing insight into his state of mind during the heinous acts. Kohberger, 30, reached out to his mother, Maryann Kohberger, less than two hours after committing the crime on the morning of Nov. 13, 2022. These revelations were brought to light by Heather Barnhart, a digital forensics expert leading the investigation into Kohberger’s phone and hard drive.

As per Barnhart’s findings, Kohberger first tried calling his mother at 6:13 a.m., and when she did not answer, he reached out to his father a minute later. The records suggest that Kohberger often alternated between contacting his mother and father in such situations. Following a 36-minute conversation with his mother after his return home, Kohberger made a second call at 8:03 a.m. that lasted for 54 minutes, coinciding with his drive back to the crime scene.

Subsequently, Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson indicated that Kohberger spent time at the crime scene around 9 a.m. and conversed with his mother for nine minutes promptly after. Further phone calls at 4:05 p.m. and 5:53 p.m. accumulated their conversations to over three hours that day. Notably, Kohberger’s phone records showed a lack of communication with anyone outside his family circle, reinforcing the importance of his interactions with his parents during these distressing moments.

Heather Barnhart’s analysis revealed that Kohberger had turned off his phone entirely between 2:54 a.m. and 4:48 a.m., likely to avoid any incriminating digital traces. The meticulous examination of Kohberger’s phone usage patterns and activities pointed towards a deliberate attempt to shield his actions, a crucial factor in the subsequent legal proceedings. This development undermined any claims pertaining to his phone’s coincidental shutdown during the time of the murders.

Jared Barnhart, Head of CX Strategy and Advocacy at Cellebrite and Heather Barnhart’s spouse, highlighted the inconsistency between Kohberger’s alibi and the deliberate switch-off of his phone. The act of powering down the device at a critical juncture further complicated Kohberger’s defence strategy, ultimately leading to his confession of the murders in court. The legal process culminated in Kohberger receiving four consecutive life sentences for the unforgivable crimes he committed.

During the sentencing, Kohberger’s family members, including his sister Amanda and mother, witnessed the harrowing proceedings in court. Despite their presence, Kohberger displayed an emotional disconnect as he faced the consequences of his actions. The courtroom revelations shed light on Kohberger’s meticulous planning and attempt to cover his tracks, ultimately unravelling his culpability in the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day.

The case of Bryan Kohberger serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of senseless violence on individuals and communities. The detailed scrutiny of his communications and actions provides crucial insights into the mind of a perpetrator, highlighting the importance of forensic analysis in unraveling complex criminal cases. As justice is served for the victims and their families, the legal system continues to strive towards accountability and closure in the wake of such tragic incidents.