Brian Coberger, responsible for the murders of four University of Idaho students, remained composed during his initial police interview. He spoke extensively about his pursuit of a PhD before unexpectedly switching topics to his constitutional rights concerning his family, pets, and legal representation.
A recent police summary from the Moscow Police Station revealed that the 30-year-old Coberger acknowledged receiving a crime alert from Washington State University but, when asked for details about the murder, invoked his Fifth Amendment right.
During the interview at a police barracks in Strousburg, Pennsylvania, Moscow police officer Brett Payne introduced herself, to which Coberger remarked, “You look familiar.” He mentioned that the only notification he had received from Moscow was a phone alert.
Following the stabbing deaths of Madison Morgen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Zana Carnordal, Coberger discussed his commitment to earning a PhD in criminology during his first interaction with law enforcement. According to police, he deemed knowledge to be more significant than financial gain.
Coberger stated he applied only to WSU and UC Irvine because neither required GRE scores. He also described a recent road trip around the country with his father upon returning to Pennsylvania.
He mentioned WSU’s excellent program, implying an understanding of the gravity of the situation surrounding the murders.
Conversations included discussions on WSU sports, with Coberger expressing his gratitude to the police when they inquired about his presence there.
When questioned about his assumptions regarding the police’s arrival, Coberger acknowledged his intention to speak with them. The police informed him they were there due to events in Moscow but did not share further specifics.
Notably, during the interview, Coberger inquired about the whereabouts of his parents and their dog, demonstrating some concern for his personal life amid the unfolding events.
The dialogue continued late into the early morning hours, naturally moving towards Coberger’s travels to Pennsylvania. He reflected on this journey with his father and chose a different route to escape potential snow during the holiday season.
Interestingly, Coberger expressed thoughts regarding the beauty of nature, his relationship with spirituality, and how he was generally skeptical about religious beliefs except when faced with the wonders of the natural world.
When the discussion turned to the investigation into the Idaho student murders, Coberger eventually stated, “I think I need an attorney,” signaling a shift in tone and his acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation.
