Investigators revealed that Brian Coberger had no known connection—either in real life or online—to any of the four victims from the University of Idaho. This information was shared by Idaho Police Lt. Colonel Darren Gilbertson during a press conference after a recent hearing.
“To this day, we haven’t discovered a single link between him and the four victims or their two roommates,” Gilbertson stated, emphasizing the extensive investigative resources devoted to the case.
Since Coberger’s arrest a month after the murders in November 2022, various theories have circulated about his motives for targeting Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin.
One theory suggested he frequented a local restaurant where Mogen and Kernodle worked and might have developed an obsession with one of them.
Other accounts claimed that he had sent repeated social media messages to one of the victims prior to the incident, but she never replied, potentially leading to his anger. However, investigators clarified on Wednesday that there was no social media interaction at all between Coberger and the victims.
Rumors that Coberger had been discussing the case online under the alias “Pappa Roger” were also dismissed, as authorities determined that he was not connected to that user.
This particular account appeared knowledgeable about the case, referring to a post that was deemed “creepy” by the group’s administrator.
“The evidence released suggests a large fixed-blade knife was the murder weapon, and they believe they have located a sheath related to it,” Gilbertson added.
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Authorities also mentioned that it remains uncertain who, if anyone, Coberger was actually targeting during the attacks.
Mogen has been particularly noted as a possible target by investigators and writers, including Vicki Ward and James Patterson.
Some have speculated that Coberger may have harbored resentment towards a specific victim, possibly reflected by a perceived rejection.
Ward mentioned that Coberger might have had a clear view of the victim’s room from a parking spot he frequented, suggesting premeditation.
Coberger did not elaborate on his actions when given a chance to speak during the sentencing hearing.
“I have declined in honor,” was all he expressed during the lengthy session.
Following a guilty plea arrangement established earlier in July, he was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
