The recently released video footage captures Bryan Kohberger being pulled over for speeding just months before he committed the heinous act of murdering four University of Idaho students in their home. In the video, Kohberger can be seen trying to convince the police officer to trust him by emphasizing his honesty.
The footage was initially held for use in Kohberger’s trial, but has now been made public following his unexpected admission to the murders of roommates Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The incident took place around 11:40 p.m. on August 21, 2022, when Kohberger was stopped in his white Hyundai Elantra – the same vehicle he used to carry out the gruesome act less than three months later.
During the traffic stop, Kohberger admits to the officer that he was not wearing his seat belt, to which the officer responds kindly, acknowledging his honesty while still issuing a $10 citation for the offense. Kohberger then engages in a conversation with the officer, posing hypothetical questions about lying regarding wearing a seat belt and the consequences of such actions.
The deputy quickly runs Kohberger’s information and issues the ticket before Kohberger continues to inquire about the importance of wearing a seat belt for safety. The traffic stop took place along the Pullman-Moscow Highway, connecting Washington State University Pullman and Moscow, Idaho, where the University of Idaho is located.
The white Hyundai Elantra played a crucial role in the prosecution’s case against Kohberger. Following his guilty plea to the murders, Kohberger has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. By confessing, he avoided a lengthy trial and the possibility of facing the death penalty by firing squad if found guilty by a jury.
Overall, the released video footage provides a chilling insight into Kohberger’s demeanor and behavior leading up to the tragic events that unfolded, shedding light on the events that ultimately led to the loss of four young lives.