The Washington State University graduate was arrested Friday in his home state of Pennsylvania in the murder of four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home last month, a brutal attack that rocked a small college town, authorities said.
Criminal charges filed Thursday charge 28-year-old Brian Kohberger with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary, Latta County District Attorney Bill Thompson said at a news conference Friday afternoon in Idaho.
Authorities focused on Kohberger after finding his white Hyundai Elantra, which was seen in the area of the murder, according to two law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation. According to sources, Kohberger DNA also matched genetic material found in the off-campus house where the students were stabbed.
Genetic pedigree helps investigators identify suspects, said a source familiar with the case. DNA found in Idaho was entered into a public database to find potential matches to family members, the source said. After a potential family match was found, further investigative work by law enforcement led to the identification of Koberger, according to the sources.
According to another law enforcement source, the suspect was driving the white car across the country to his parents’ house. “Just before Christmas we focused on him being in Pennsylvania or going to Pennsylvania.
According to sources, an FBI surveillance team from the Philadelphia field office followed him for four days in the area where he was arrested.
While he was under surveillance, investigators from the Moscow Police Department, the Idaho State Police Homicide Unit, and the FBI worked with prosecutors to determine plausible reasons for obtaining the warrant. After the warrant was issued, the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI made the arrest.
Moscow Police Chief James Fry told a news conference that the Elantra had been found but investigators were still looking for the knife used in the murder. He did not provide any details about the case, including when the suspect was the focus of the investigation or whether he knew the four students who were killed.
“These murders have rocked our community, and no amount of arrests can bring these young students back,” said Fry. “However, we believe that justice will be served through the criminal process.”
Fry said it was a very complex and widespread case.
“We have developed a clear picture over time,” he said, “(but) rest assured the work is not finished. It has only just begun.”
Authorities urged the public at a news conference to continue calling the tipping hotline with information.
Once the suspect returns to Idaho, it is likely cause the affidavit used to obtain the warrant will be unsealed.
Records show Kohberger was arraigned in Pennsylvania Friday morning and an extradition hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3. Thompson said the suspect is being held without bond and will be represented by the public defender while he is in Pennsylvania.
Since the suspect was arrested in Pennsylvania, he has the option of waive extradition and voluntarily return to Idaho. If he decides not to return voluntarily, Moscow police will initiate extradition proceedings through the governor’s office, Fry said.
“If we do that, it might be a while before he gets here,” he said.