Documents reveal troubling behaviors of Bryan Kohberger, while a PhD student and TA at WSU, highlighting concerning conduct in academic and social settings.
PULLMAN, Wash. — Newly released documents from the Idaho State Police investigation into the Moscow homicides provide a detailed and unsettling glimpse into Bryan Kohberger’s life as a PhD student and teaching assistant at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman. Comprising of interviews with faculty, staff and students, the records illuminate Kohberger’s academic pursuits, social interactions and behavioral patterns during his time at the university.
Kohberger, who resided in Pullman and shared an office with two other WSU students, was engaged in his criminology studies. His research focused on “offender decision-making” and the role emotions play in criminal behavior. According to interviews, he frequently discussed criminal justice topics, often dominating conversations. Kohberger authored a class paper on burglary, exploring the concept of “sexual burglars” and the emotions tied to criminal acts. He also maintained a Reddit account to survey ex-convicts about their emotional experiences during crimes. Aspiring to an academic career, Kohberger expressed ambitions of becoming a professor.
Kohberger’s demeanor left a lasting, often negative impression on those around him. Faculty, staff, and students described him as “creepy,” “standoffish,” “odd” and “weird,” noting his “intense stare” and “macho demeanor.” His interactions were marked by erratic behavior, including staring at and blocking co-workers, following them to their cars, and attempting to dominate class discussions while consistently correcting peers. The documents show he was perceived as nosy, reportedly looking at others’ text messages and suspected of rifling through a friend’s medicine cabinet. His behavior often alienated those around him, contributing to a reputation for discomforting interactions.
Kohberger’s tenure as a teaching assistant was fraught with issues, as evidenced by nine complaints filed against him for “rude and belittling behavior toward women” and “unprofessional rude dealings with his TA work.” These incidents prompted WSU to mandate a behavioral expectations training class for all graduate students, which Kohberger attended, reportedly sitting at the back with his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
Specific allegations included a report to the WSU Office of Civil Rights after Kohberger asked a staff member out and followed her to her car. Faculty noted his “aggressive behavior toward women,” with one female graduate student leaving a class in tears after a “very sexist” interaction in which she accused him of “mansplaining.” Other reported behaviors included homophobic comments, an inappropriate question about whether a woman in a low-cut shirt would be at fault if raped, and derogatory remarks about “broken women.” Kohberger also expressed frustration when two women were assigned to correct his grading work. In one instance, he cornered a professor during the first week of classes to discuss his participation grade.