Childhood friend of Brian Coberger, Casey Aruntz, shared her shock upon learning about his involvement in the murders of four University of Idaho students. The 32-year-old from the Poconos expressed feelings of disbelief and distress after Coberger’s unexpected plea in the case.
“Did he ever think about harming me or friends?” Aruntz reflected, recalling her childhood memories playing with Coberger and her brother.
Aruntz described the emotional toll as she processed how her family felt about the vicious nature of the crimes. “Why are my family so upset? They wanted justice—I want justice too,” she said, clearly feeling the weight of the situation.
She acknowledged the chance that Coberger might not receive the death penalty, suggesting that a plea deal might be a better option so he could “deal with it inside” for life.
Her brother, Thomas, also reacted to Coberger’s plea, expressing sympathy for his family, stating, “I’m sorry that Brian’s parents have to live with this too. They didn’t deserve this.”
Donna Jozwiak, Coberger’s high school guidance counselor, shared her condolences for both families involved, hoping they could find healing.
Another former friend, Jack Baylis, speculated that Coberger might have committed the murders as part of his criminology studies. “I think he wanted to experience what it was like,” Baylis suggested, hinting at a twisted pursuit of knowledge.
Coberger, who was attending Washington State University, was arrested for the tragic attack on four students while they slept in an off-campus home.
Initially maintaining his innocence, Coberger faced trial before opting for a plea, which spared him the death penalty in exchange for a life sentence without parole.
Yet, this deal left many victims’ families frustrated, as they felt robbed of the closure a trial might have brought. Steve Goncalves, father of one victim, expressed his disappointment, feeling that the justice system had let his family down.
