The Chilling Shift: What Bryan Kohberger's Classmates Noticed Post-Murders

In the wake of the horrific murders of four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—attention quickly turned to Bryan Kohberger, the criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University who was eventually arrested in connection with the brutal crimes.

Before his apprehension, however, those who shared classrooms and academic spaces with Kohberger began to observe subtle, yet chilling, changes in his demeanor.

Reports from classmates painted a picture of a man undergoing a transformation in the weeks and months following the November 2022 slayings.

While authorities were piecing together evidence, Kohberger continued to attend his classes, seemingly attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Yet, according to various accounts, his usual reserved nature seemed to intensify, or in some instances, his behavior became notably erratic.

One recurring observation among his peers was a noticeable change in his physical appearance.

Several classmates mentioned that Kohberger appeared to lose a significant amount of weight, and his usually tidy presentation sometimes gave way to a more disheveled look. This physical shift was often accompanied by a perceived increase in his anxiety levels. Some described him as looking perpetually exhausted or stressed, with a tension that seemed to radiate from him.

Academically, some noted a change in his participation.

While he had always been somewhat quiet, there were instances where his engagement in discussions, particularly those related to criminal justice and criminology theories, seemed to take on a more intense or detached quality. Others recalled moments of odd behavior, such as heightened agitation or an unusual quietness that deviated even from his typical reserved personality.

These observations, made by individuals who interacted with Kohberger in an academic setting, offer a unsettling glimpse into the period leading up to his arrest.

They underscore the profound impact of the murders, not only on the victims' families and friends but also on the periphery of the investigation, where ordinary interactions with the accused took on a new, sinister significance in retrospect.