Below, a thread on the Kohberger problem I wasn't sure what to do with. Copilot:
Did Kohberger attend Church while living with his family; in what denomination?
There’s no confirmed public record indicating that Bryan Kohberger regularly attended church while living with his family. However, several clues suggest a possible Catholic background:
🏫 He attended DeSales University, a Catholic-affiliated institution, which may reflect either personal or familial ties to Catholicism.
🧬 His middle name, Christopher, and his mother’s name, Maryann, are traditionally associated with Christian naming conventions.
🕊️ While incarcerated, Kohberger has reportedly been attending Mass on Sundays and meeting with ministers from Project Hope Idaho, a Christian organization that provides gospel services to inmates3.
That said, there’s no verified evidence that he or his family were active churchgoers prior to his arrest. His religious practices before incarceration remain largely speculative. Want to explore how religious affiliation might influence behavior or legal strategy in cases like this?
In a protestant denomination, there would have been a clear path to his meeting a 'nice' girl: the Church social...
Totally! In many Protestant communities, especially in small towns or tight-knit congregations, church life isn’t just about Sunday service—it’s an entire ecosystem of social connections. ⛪💬
Youth Groups & Bible Studies often serve as a kind of low-pressure dating pool, where relationships grow through shared values and trust.
Church socials, potlucks, volunteer events, and retreats create opportunities to meet peers and form bonds naturally.
There's also a cultural emphasis on finding a partner who shares your faith, which can make the church a central space for matchmaking—whether intentional or not!
If Kohberger had been immersed in such an environment, his social path might’ve looked very different. The absence of a visible religious community in his life might be a clue to his social isolation, which some observers have speculated about.
That brings up a deeper question: how do belief systems and community support—or the lack of them—shape people’s emotional development? Want to explore that dynamic next?
There has also been a report of a Tinder relationship on which he stared talking about knives, which frightenend the young woman away.
Yes, that report is real—and chilling. A woman who matched with Bryan Kohberger on Tinder in late 2022 told police that their conversation took a disturbing turn:
🧠 Kohberger identified himself as a criminology student and asked her about a local murder in her town.
🎥 They discussed horror movies, and when she mentioned liking the Rob Zombie Halloween films, he asked her what she thought was the worst way to die.
🔪 She said “a knife,” and he responded with something like, “like a Ka-Bar?”—which is the same military-style knife prosecutors say he purchased months earlier and whose sheath was found at the crime scene.
The woman said she Googled the knife and stopped talking to him because his questions made her uncomfortable. Her tip came after Kohberger’s arrest, when she recognized his photo and remembered the eerie exchange. Although police couldn’t corroborate her story due to lack of Tinder records, it added to a growing picture of unsettling behavior before the murders2.
Want to dig into how early warning signs like this are handled—or missed—in criminal investigations?
It shows he was not terribly smart about women; but then, there are also reports he had someone dance for him in a club, so he is not 'just too shy'!!
Exactly—his behavior paints a picture that’s more complex than simple social awkwardness. While Kohberger was reportedly uncomfortable and inappropriate around women in academic settings, he also sought out more assertive interactions:
💃 In 2019, an exotic dancer said she encountered Kohberger at a Pennsylvania club where he was the only patron. During her performance, she claimed he muttered about “wanting to kill people.” When she asked who, he allegedly replied, “whoever I want”2.
👁️ She offered him a private dance, during which he allegedly told her to maintain eye contact and asked invasive questions about her home and car.
🧠 Investigators later learned that Kohberger had used his teaching assistant role to interact inappropriately with female students, and colleagues even discussed staging an intervention.
So while he may have lacked emotional intelligence or social grace, he wasn’t simply shy—he was actively seeking connection, albeit in disturbing and often manipulative ways. Want to explore how these kinds of behaviors are interpreted in forensic psychology?
Yes!
🧠 Let’s dive into how forensic psychology interprets behaviors like Kohberger’s—and why they raise red flags long before a crime occurs.
🚩 Behavioral Warning Signs
Kohberger’s interactions with women—Tinder exchanges, club visits, and academic misconduct—fit into patterns often flagged by forensic psychologists:
Boundary violations: From invasive personal questions to discomforting comments, these behaviors show disregard for social norms.
Dark or morbid fascination: His interest in knives, violent films, and criminal topics can signal a deeper attraction to power, control, or aggression.
Mixed social signals: Shyness in some settings versus dominant or predatory actions elsewhere suggest difficulty with empathy and emotional regulation.
🧩 Key Psychological Models Applied
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Marked by manipulation, impulsivity, and lack of remorse. Often linked with criminal behavior but not all individuals with ASPD act violently.
Narcissistic traits: A need for control or superiority, which may drive certain interactions—especially if rejection occurs.
Paraphilic interests: Unusual or extreme sexual fixations, sometimes appearing alongside coercive behavior or emotional detachment.
🧠 Profiling vs. Diagnosis
Forensic psychologists avoid armchair diagnosis. Instead, they analyze patterns that help predict behavior or assess risk. The goal isn't just to label someone—but to understand motive, mindset, and potential escalation.
Should we look at how early interventions might prevent tragedies in cases like this? Or explore how forensic experts help build psychological profiles for investigators and courts?
There was no evidence that the Idaho murders were in any manner sexual for the killer...
You're absolutely right—and that point was made explicitly by prosecutors. During Bryan Kohberger’s plea hearing, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson stated there was no evidence of sexual assault or any sexual component to the murders of the four University of Idaho students.
Despite the brutality of the crime—multiple stab wounds inflicted with a military-style knife—investigators found no signs that the killings were sexually motivated. Kohberger’s actions appeared to be driven by other psychological factors, possibly including power fantasies, resentment, or a desire for control, but not sexual gratification.
This distinction is important in forensic profiling. It helps narrow down motive and behavioral patterns, and it also shapes how experts interpret the killer’s mindset. Want to explore how different types of motives—like power, revenge, or ideology—manifest in criminal behavior?
So it was more of a mastery thing. What is known about Kohberger's office mate, to whom he alledgedly confessed wanting a girlfriend?
The office mate you're referring to was a co-worker at Washington State University, where Bryan Kohberger served as a teaching assistant. Though their identity remains redacted in court documents, this individual shared some revealing insights during an interview with investigators:
🗣️ They shared an office with Kohberger for one semester, giving them a close-up view of his behavior.
💬 The co-worker said Kohberger frequently talked about wanting a girlfriend, suggesting a preoccupation with romantic connection.
🚩 They also noted inappropriate interactions with female students, which raised concerns among faculty and eventually led to discussions about staging an intervention.
This testimony adds another layer to Kohberger’s psychological profile. It suggests that his desire for intimacy may have been tangled with issues of control, social discomfort, and possibly resentment. The fact that he voiced this longing to a colleague—while simultaneously behaving in ways that alienated women—points to a troubling disconnect between his intentions and his actions.
Want to explore how unmet emotional needs can evolve into maladaptive or even dangerous behavior?
How was his behavior toward female students inapproproate?
Bryan Kohberger’s behavior toward female students at Washington State University raised serious concerns among faculty and investigators—enough that professors discussed staging an “intervention”. Here's what emerged from unsealed police documents and interviews:
🚩 Patterns of Inappropriate Conduct
Condescending treatment: Kohberger reportedly spoke down to female students in his classes and graded them more harshly than their male peers.
Misuse of authority: A co-worker said he tried to use his role as a teaching assistant to “inappropriately interact” with female students.
Uncomfortable presence: One student claimed she saw photos of herself and her friends on Kohberger’s phone—images she believed were taken from her public Instagram account.
Professors’ concerns: Faculty exchanged texts about Kohberger “offending several of our female students” and considered gathering information for a formal intervention.
🧠 Psychological Implications
These behaviors suggest a troubling mix of boundary violations, social discomfort, and possible attempts at control or dominance. While not criminal on their own, they contributed to a growing profile of someone whose interpersonal conduct was increasingly alarming.
Want to look at how academic institutions handle red flags like this—or how they sometimes miss them?
So he is misogynic, and offended female students through arrogance??
Yes, that’s a fair characterization based on multiple reports. Kohberger’s behavior toward women—especially female students and colleagues—was described by sources as misogynistic and condescending:
🧑🏫 He graded female students more harshly than male students while serving as a teaching assistant at Washington State University.
🗣️ He allegedly made sexist remarks, including telling female colleagues that men would take their jobs because “women aren’t as smart”.
📱 Some students said he made them uncomfortable, and one even accused him of following her to her car.
📚 Professors at WSU discussed staging an intervention due to his behavior, which they said was offending female students.
These patterns suggest more than just arrogance—they point to a deeper bias and discomfort with women in positions of equality or authority. His conduct wasn’t just socially awkward; it was actively alienating and inappropriate.
Would you like to explore how misogyny manifests in academic or professional settings—and how institutions can respond more effectively?
Would the girls living together have been an irritant to Kohberger given his views on appropriate behaviors on the part of women. Or were these girls just acting normally? Is living the Greek Life something peculiar to Idaho?
That’s a really thoughtful question, Louise — and it touches on both cultural norms and the psychology behind Kohberger’s disturbing behavior.
👭 Were the girls acting normally? Yes, by all accounts, the four victims — Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin — were living typical college lives. They were social, involved in campus activities, and two of the women worked at a local restaurant. Their home had frequent visitors, and they were known to host gatherings, which is common in college towns. There’s no evidence they behaved inappropriately or provocatively — they were simply enjoying their youth and independence.
🏛️ Was Greek Life unusual in Idaho? Not at all. At the University of Idaho, Greek Life is a major part of campus culture. About 20–25% of students participate in fraternities and sororities2. The university has over 30 recognized Greek organizations, and they’re deeply woven into student life — offering leadership, community service, and social opportunities. So living in a house with roommates, especially in a Greek or Greek-adjacent setting, is very typical for students there.
😠 Could this have irritated Kohberger? Possibly. Kohberger reportedly held misogynistic views and made sexist remarks about women’s intelligence and professional capabilities4. He was also described as socially awkward and resentful toward women who didn’t reciprocate his interest. Some speculate that he may have been enraged by their independence, popularity, and perceived rejection, especially if he saw them as embodying traits he resented or envied6. His behavior toward female students at Washington State University — grading them more harshly and making them uncomfortable — suggests a pattern of hostility toward confident, socially active women4.
So while the victims were simply living normal college lives, Kohberger’s warped worldview may have interpreted their lifestyle as threatening or offensive. That disconnect — between reality and his perception — is part of what makes his actions so chilling.
Would you like to explore how misogyny and entitlement can escalate into violence, or how universities can better detect and respond to these warning signs?
Were these girls any different than those in East Coast schools?
Not really — at least not in terms of lifestyle, independence, or social behavior. The young women living in the house in Moscow, Idaho were very much like their counterparts at East Coast universities:
👩🎓 Socially active and independent They were outgoing, had strong friendships, and participated in campus life — just like students at East Coast schools where Greek Life and communal living are common. Whether it’s sorority houses at Penn State or shared apartments near NYU, young women across the country often live together, host gatherings, and enjoy their college years with a sense of freedom and camaraderie.
🏛️ Greek Life culture is widespread Greek Life isn’t unique to Idaho. In fact, East Coast schools like Syracuse, Penn State, and the University of Virginia have robust sorority and fraternity systems, often with deep historical roots and large participation rates. These organizations foster leadership, social bonding, and community service — and they often involve living in shared houses, just like the one in Moscow.
🌆 Cultural norms around women’s independence East Coast campuses — especially liberal arts colleges like Barnard, Wellesley, and Smith — have long championed women’s autonomy, education, and leadership4. The idea of young women living together, pursuing degrees, and enjoying social freedom is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. The same applies to many West Coast and Midwest schools, too.
So in essence, the victims in Idaho were living a normal, empowered college life — one that mirrors the experiences of thousands of young women across the country. If anything, their lifestyle was emblematic of what college is meant to be: a time of growth, friendship, and self-discovery.
Would you like to explore how cultural expectations around women’s behavior have evolved on college campuses over the decades? Or maybe how Greek Life has shaped student experiences across regions?
Were Goncalves and Mogen considered in a lesbian relationship? Would Kohberger have thought they were?
There’s no credible evidence or public indication that Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were in a romantic or lesbian relationship. They were described by family and friends as lifelong best friends who had been inseparable since sixth grade. They lived together, studied together, and tragically died in the same bed during the attack—but everything reported points to a deep platonic bond.
As for whether Bryan Kohberger might have perceived them differently, that’s harder to pin down. Investigators have found no confirmed connection between Kohberger and the victims prior to the murders. However, some speculate that he may have misinterpreted their closeness, especially if he was socially isolated or harbored distorted views about women. In forensic psychology, individuals with misogynistic or obsessive tendencies sometimes project fantasies or assumptions onto people they fixate on—especially confident, socially active women.
So while Goncalves and Mogen were simply living normal college lives, Kohberger’s perception may have been shaped by his own biases or psychological issues—not reality.
Would you like to explore how distorted perceptions can fuel criminal behavior, or how forensic experts assess motive in cases like this?
Is Greek Life something one finds in Catholic as well as Protestant Universities?
Absolutely — Greek Life exists in both Catholic and Protestant universities, though its presence and character can vary widely depending on the institution’s values and traditions.
🏛️ Catholic Universities
Many Catholic schools do host traditional fraternities and sororities, including national chapters like Phi Kappa Theta and Alpha Phi Omega.
Some Catholic colleges offer faith-centered alternatives to Greek Life, such as service clubs, campus ministries, or spiritual living-learning communities.
A few Catholic institutions, especially those with Jesuit roots, may limit or discourage Greek Life if it’s seen as conflicting with their mission.
✝️ Protestant Universities
Protestant-affiliated schools often embrace Greek Life, especially those with Evangelical or mainline Protestant traditions.
Some have Christian fraternities and sororities that integrate faith into their rituals, service, and fellowship — like Beta Sigma Psi (Lutheran) or Alpha Chi Rho (Christian-only membership).
Others host secular Greek organizations alongside faith-based student groups, creating a diverse campus culture.
🧠 Faith-Based Greek Life
Both Catholic and Protestant schools may support religiously affiliated Greek organizations that emphasize service, leadership, and spiritual growth.
Examples include Beta Upsilon Chi (Christian fraternity) and Sigma Alpha Omega (Christian sorority), which operate on campuses across denominations.
So yes — Greek Life is alive and well in both traditions, but it’s often shaped by the school’s religious identity. Want to explore how faith influences Greek rituals or community service?
I have seen different threads about the Mad Greek restaurant at which two of the girls worked, sometimes Goncalves and Mogen, or Kernodle and Mogen. Could Kernodle have replaced Goncalves after the latter moved on, having graduated??
That's a thoughtful question, Louise — and you're right to notice the variation in reports. Based on multiple sources, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle were the two confirmed servers at the Mad Greek restaurant in Moscow, Idaho2. Kaylee Goncalves, while close friends with Mogen and Kernodle, was not listed as an employee at the restaurant in the available reports3.
So it’s likely that Kernodle didn’t replace Goncalves, but rather worked alongside Mogen during their time at the University of Idaho. Goncalves had already graduated and was planning a move to Texas, which might explain why she wasn’t employed there.
It’s easy to see how threads might mix up the names, especially given how close the three women were. Want to dig into how their friendship shaped their college experience or how the restaurant became a focal point in the investigation?
It's a crucial issue, because Kohberger ate twice at the restaurant, and it is there he might have noticed one of the girls. Reports said Goncalves feared she was being stalked...
You're absolutely right, Louise — that detail has stirred a lot of speculation. According to multiple reports, Bryan Kohberger visited the Mad Greek restaurant at least twice before the murders, ordering vegan pizza and being notably particular about food preparation2. Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle were confirmed to have worked there as servers2, though it's unclear whether Kohberger ever interacted with them directly.
Interestingly, Kaylee Goncalves had expressed concerns about being stalked prior to the attack, though law enforcement has not publicly confirmed a link between those fears and Kohberger. Some sources have claimed that Kohberger followed all three women — Goncalves, Mogen, and Kernodle — on a now-deleted Instagram account, and allegedly messaged one of them repeatedly without receiving a reply.
The restaurant itself became a focal point in the investigation, with surveillance footage collected and staff interviewed by authorities. However, the owner of the Mad Greek later denied reports that Kohberger had ever eaten there, calling the claims “fabricated” and urging media to rely on official sources.
So while the possibility that Kohberger noticed one of the girls at the restaurant remains plausible, it’s still speculative. The prosecution has hinted that not all four victims may have been intended targets, which adds another layer of complexity to the motive.
Would you like to explore how investigators pieced together Kohberger’s movements or how digital evidence played a role in the case?
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The term 'paraphilic' is new to me...
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