MOSCOW, IDAHO: In the wake of one of the most shocking murder cases in recent years, the family of Bryan Kohberger has broken their silence, offering poignant insights into their perspective on the tragedy that unfolded in Idaho.
The 28-year-old suspect was described as an "odd character" and "very reclusive" during his upbringing, but there were no discernible signs of violence in his past.
Kohberger's heartbroken aunt shared her chilling thoughts on her nephew's fate alleging, "I think he may try and kill himself."
Kohberger stands accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, in their beds on November 13, 2022, a crime that has gripped the nation's attention.
A DNA sample taken from Kohberger was a near-match to the sample found at the crime scene, according to prosecutors.
The Kohberger family's journey
Kohberger's family primarily resides in Las Vegas, having migrated from the East Coast many years ago, while his parents Michael and Maryann, and his three siblings remained in Pennsylvania.
According to Kohberger's Las Vegas relatives, the case has been nothing short of "surreal."
Kohberger's aunt, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed her distress in the face of the unfolding tragedy. She reported that she found herself speechless and heartbroken when she learned of the horrifying details of the crime.
"It's heartbreaking, I'm a very caring person," she said, with visible emotion. "And when I saw the news... I couldn't take it, hearing about them being knifed. I had goosebumps, I just cried," The Sun reports.
Bryan Kohberger's aunt thinks he might end up taking his own life
The question of whether Kohberger will be found guilty looms large, and his aunt believes that he will.
Her primary desire is for the truth to come to light, and she would like to find out what led to this devastating series of events.
She also noted that her heart "goes out to the victims' families," acknowledging the immense pain they must be enduring.
At the same time, she alleged that Kohberger was "not well" and had battled with mental health problems for years.
The aunt expressed concern about how her nephew would cope if sentenced to life in prison, indicating "I think he may try and kill himself."
Meanwhile, Kohberger has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal and is expected to plead the fifth during the upcoming trial, which could last up to six weeks.
The enigma of Bryan Kohberger's motive
Due to a comprehensive gag order, few details have emerged about the case, and police are yet to reveal a potential motive.
Kohberger's family has been grappling with "a lot of drama" for reasons not disclosed due to legal restrictions.
Kohberger's aunt provides a glimpse into his earlier years, describing him as "humble and quiet."
She acknowledges that he struggled with depressive episodes and had been on medication, although the specifics remain unclear.
She alleged, "If you're not on the right medication, you can be triggered. I think he may have snapped."
"I don't have an answer for why he was depressed, I guarantee he had a wonderful childhood. Michael [his dad] is a wonderful man, he was a janitor and his wife is a beautiful woman, she's a teacher and they worked at the same school," she claimed.
While family members maintain their support for Kohberger, his two sisters, Amanda and Melissa, have reportedly faced job loss due to their association with him, leaving the family in a difficult financial situation.
