Bryan Kohberger Linked to "Incel" Killer Elliot Rodger

Understanding the Motives Behind the Idaho Murders

Bryan Kohberger, a 30-year-old man who has been convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022, has become the subject of intense scrutiny. Former classmates have come forward to share insights into his possible motives, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.

Kohberger earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from DeSales University in Pennsylvania before the murders. During his time at the university, he showed a particular interest in studying mass murderers, including Elliot Rodger, a figure known for his violent actions in 2014. This interest was highlighted by Josh Ferraro, a former classmate, who spoke about their studies in a Prime Video documentary titled One Night in Idaho: The College Murders.

Elliot Rodger and His Impact

Elliot Rodger, who was 22 years old when he committed his crimes, targeted his roommates at the University of California, Santa Barbara, before driving to sorority houses and shooting multiple college women. He later took his own life in his vehicle. Rodger's actions were documented in a 130-page manifesto, where he expressed deep resentment towards women, stating, "All of those beautiful girls I’ve desired so much in my life but can never have, because they despise and loathe me, I will destroy."

Ferraro described Rodger as a young man who felt jaded and lacked attention from friends, family, and women. He noted that after the incident, there was a written manifesto that explained his actions, which resonated with some individuals, including Kohberger.

Kohberger's Interest in Rodger's Actions

Brittany Slaven, another former classmate, shared that Kohberger had a specific interest in Elliot Rodger’s case. Unlike other students who were disturbed by Rodger’s crimes, Slaven mentioned that Kohberger did not seem affected by them. This lack of concern raised questions about his mindset and potential motivations.

Rodger's actions have been linked to a community of men known as "incels," or involuntarily celibate individuals. Cortney Franklin, an assistant professor of criminology at the University of Idaho, described incel communities as a dangerous form of misogyny. She emphasized that these groups often gather online, glorifying figures like Rodger and creating a culture that can lead to violence.

Kohberger's History with Women

According to police reports, Kohberger had a history of issues with college women. Gary Jenkins, the chief of police at Washington State University, where Kohberger was pursuing a PhD, mentioned that there were instances where Kohberger followed a student out to her car, attempting to flirt with her. The student reported this behavior to someone in the criminal justice department.

Additionally, investigators found texts between WSU professors discussing the need for an intervention with Kohberger. One teacher reportedly texted another, "Apparently he's offended several of our female students." These incidents suggest a pattern of behavior that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

The Victims and Their Connection to Rodger

The four victims of the Idaho murders—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were all students at the University of Idaho. Kernodle and Mogen were members of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, while Goncalves belonged to Alpha Phi. Interestingly, Alpha Phi was the sorority targeted by Rodger, who believed they were the "hottest" and "the kind of girls I've always desired but was never able to have."

Despite theories linking Kohberger to Rodger's ideology, Idaho investigators were unable to establish a direct connection between Kohberger and the victims prior to the incident. Prosecutors also could not determine a clear motive for the murders. Kohberger chose not to speak during his sentencing, leaving many questions unanswered.