Brian Coberger had a fascination with the violent film “American Psycho” and was intrigued by the real-life murderer lawyer Alex Murdaugh, according to a chilling interview with his cellmate.
Coberger, who is serving a life sentence for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, was described as having “creepy” eyes and an obsession with psychoanalyzing those around him. His cellmate informed Idaho State Police that Coberger analyzed people extensively, saying, “He wanted to know why people prefer certain things. He psychoanalyzes everything.” While he wouldn’t talk about his case, Coberger did mention that “American Psycho” was his favorite movie.
He also seemed quite captivated by the Court TV Channel, especially the trials involving Murdaugh. His cellmate noted that Coberger’s favorite true crime story was his own, and he often glued himself to the TV whenever news coverage about his case aired.
“He liked watching the news about his case. However, if the discussion turned to his family or friends, he’d quickly change the channel,” the interview revealed.
Additionally, his cellmate described him as a clean freak, burning through three bars of soap weekly and taking an hour-long shower while frequently washing his hands. He often requested fresh clothes and clean sheets.
Despite his odd habits and the unsettling nature of his demeanor, Coberger was characterized by his cellmate as “very smart and easy to get along with,” and he never discussed his case with him.
Even those close to him, like his cellmate, were left puzzled about Coberger’s motives for the fatal attacks on the four undergraduates—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Zana Kernodle—who seemingly had no connection to him. Coberger drove to the scene from his apartment near Washington State University, where he was pursuing a PhD.
Due to a controversial plea agreement, Coberger will spend life in prison without the prospect of parole, avoiding the death penalty but leaving many questions about his actions unanswered.
