Unsealing the Evidence: Documents Tied to Bryan Kohberger’s Murders
The Bryan Kohberger murder case has already stunned the nation. But the story might not be over yet—at least not for those wanting to see the full investigative picture. Court officials say a hefty batch of previously sealed documents may be on track for public release, potentially including graphic crime scene photos, in-depth forensic studies, and psychological insights into Kohberger himself.
This all comes months after Kohberger, now 29, pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students back in November 2022. For months, the investigation churned out thousands of pages of files. Prosecutors and law enforcement kept these under wraps to protect both the case and the families. Now that Kohberger has been sentenced—four life terms plus time for burglary—authorities suggest it’s time to lift the lid on much of this evidence.
The Nature of the Sealed Records
What exactly could the public be seeing soon? Court records and witnesses at hearings mention a stockpile of materials: graphic crime scene documents, forensic timelines, and even analysis from the FBI’s national forensic genealogy team. One investigator testified this January that their trove of discovery from genetic genealogy alone included thousands of pages. In other words, we’re not just talking a file or two—this is an avalanche of raw investigative material.
Some of the documents, already partially unsealed, hint at shocking details. Police reports detail physical evidence gathered from Kohberger’s apartment: a silver flashlight, four pairs of medical gloves, stacks of Nike and Under Armour clothes, and his DNA. They collected all of this right after the arrest, hoping something would nail down the case. Several inside reports also describe the accused killer’s behavior behind bars: Kohberger would obsessively wash his hands, take strangely long showers, and sleep during the day instead of at night.
Even more chilling are the pieces that might shed light on why and how the murders happened. Prosecutors never managed to get Kohberger to say where the weapon ended up, and according to Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson, they never believed he’d tell the truth even if asked. "He’s manipulative," Thompson has said, making it clear the plea deal was about certainty rather than more drama in court. As a result, some evidence may stay secret—especially if it involves tips, confidential sources, or victim privacy issues.
- Forensic genealogy work by the FBI and Idaho State Police—thousands of pages
- Courtroom testimony and interview transcripts
- Crime scene and autopsy photographs
- Personal writings or recorded statements by Kohberger
Family members of victims learned about the release of files the same week they delivered emotional victim impact statements while Kohberger stood silent in his orange prison jumpsuit, refusing to address the court. Some families say they’re nervous about graphic photos going public, but legal experts note that hiding the investigative process doesn’t prevent the story from being told—at least not now that the trial has ended.
The Moscow Police investigation pulled agencies from across Idaho and drew in state troopers, the FBI, and even genealogy specialists to trace DNA and piece together digital footprints. This all led to Kohberger, who wasn’t known to the victims, being arrested and charged last year. The house where the murders took place, a quiet off-campus home near the University of Idaho, has since become part of the city’s dark history.
No date is set for when these documents will drop. Court officials aren’t sharing which files will be released or if some materials will remain off-limits for good. But as prosecutors settle the last details on the legal side, it’s clear that new insights into the case—possibly shocking, possibly uncomfortable—are on the way for anyone still following the fallout from a crime that shook the small city of Moscow, Idaho to its core.
