Keith Jessperson, known as the Happy Face Serial Killer, has expressed a wish for Brian Coberger to be housed in the same Oregon prison where he is currently serving time, suggesting that it might offer a safer environment for individuals convicted of similar crimes in Idaho.
In a note to former prison pastor and podcaster Keith Rovere, Jessperson mentioned that “Max Prison in Oregon” would keep Coberger away from potential threats from inmates looking to gain notoriety by harming him. He believes this prison takes in inmates from other states to help protect them from violent encounters.
Jessperson, who was once a truck driver, confessed to murdering at least eight women in the 1990s and earned his nickname for the smiley faces he drew in letters to the media and investigators. Though law enforcement doubts his claims, he alleges that he may have killed significantly more individuals. He plans to write to the Idaho Department of Corrections, urging them to consider moving Coberger to Oregon for his safety.
Rovere commented to Fox News Digital about Coberger’s adjustment challenges in prison due to his lack of what he called “street smart and prison smart” qualities. Coberger’s social difficulties have been noticeable in court and media settings, especially before an unexpected plea deal that spared him from the death penalty, resulting in a life sentence for the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Zana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Following his trial, it is anticipated that Coberger will spend several weeks in quarantine at Idaho’s largest security facility in Kuna while officials work out long-term housing arrangements.
Jessperson currently serves multiple life sentences at Oregon State Prison, located about 475 miles away from Kuna. While he points out that there is a precedent for prisoner transfers between western states for safety or overcrowding concerns, Idaho is not part of such an agreement. Officials from Idaho have not indicated they are considering transferring Coberger.
“Staff and population safety and security are priorities for the Idaho Department of Corrections,” said Bray Lopez, a spokesperson for the agency.
Documents from Coberger’s defense indicate he has been diagnosed with autism, with his lawyer noting his unusual mannerisms and difficulties in conversation. In court, he often appeared tense, fixating on the families of his victims and showing slight movement only occasionally.
Jessperson expressed a fear that Coberger might be targeted in prison, maybe even likening the situation to that of notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who met a tragic end while incarcerated. Dahmer, known for his gruesome crimes, was killed in 1994 at the age of 34, while Coberger is currently 30.
Dahmer’s killer, Christopher Scarver, recounted in 2015 how he had grown tired of Dahmer’s antics and seized the opportunity presented by prison staff, leaving readers to consider the volatile nature of prison hierarchies.
The Idaho Department of Corrections indicated that Coberger will undergo screenings and evaluations before determining his housing and security. “This process typically takes between 7 and 14 days,” a spokesperson explained. His classification will be decided after the review period.
Coberger remains a focal point of interest due to the shocking nature of his crimes, which gained national attention due to their brutality and the extended hunt for a suspect. He had no known ties to the victims, who were a group of young friends, and he has shown no remorse in court appearances over the past two and a half years.
Insiders suggest that inmates who harm women and children often face brutal scrutiny from other prisoners. The fact that three of the four victims were asleep during the incident could further complicate Coberger’s experience in prison, especially given his already awkward social interactions.
