Idaho College Murders: Bryan Kohberger’s Aunt Reveals His Past Secret Double Life — ‘I Think He May Have Snapped’

Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho college murders, may have led a secret past double life, according to a new report from his family.

The U.S. Sun spoke with some of Kohberger’s family members, who said he was an “odd character” and “very reclusive” growing up, but he never showed any signs of violence and they were shocked when he was named a suspect.

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 allegedly 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.

An aunt, who wished to remain anonymous, speculated Kohberger “may try and kill himself” if he is found guilty, and she told The Sun there has been “a lot of drama” in the family, even before her nephew’s arrest.

The aunt described Kohberger as a “shy and troubled teenager” and claimed he was “suffering depressive episodes” and taking medication. She also noted she never saw any violence in Kohberger, but she claimed that “if you’re not on the right medication, you can be triggered."

The aunt added, "I think he may have snapped,” The Sun reported.

According to the publication, the aunt wasn’t sure why her nephew was depressed and said “he had a wonderful childhood.”

She claimed she flew Kohberger and his entire family to Las Vegas several times and suspected her nephew allegedly was taking drugs at the time. The aunt claimed she was concerned Kohberger allegedly was doing “cocaine, mushrooms, drinking hard liquor and popping pills” to deal with his alleged mental health issues, The Sun reported.

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Kohberger's aunt told the outlet she had not seen her nephew in more than 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.