Bryan Kohberger Allegedly Reaches Out to Notorious Killers From Jail, Files Complaints Over Conditions

Prison Claims and Contact Attempts: What Officials Say About Bryan Kohberger’s Behavior Behind Bars

A retired homicide investigator and director of the Cold Case Foundation, Chris McDonough, told Fox News Digital that his source says convicted killer Bryan Kohberger has been attempting to contact high‑profile inmates and people outside the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna. According to the account, Kohberger has made overtures toward other notorious offenders and has sought communication beyond his cell.

McDonough (via source): He’s tried reaching out to other serial killers, and he “sees himself above everyone around him.”

Kohberger, who had been pursuing a Ph.D. in criminology at Washington State University, drove roughly 10 miles to commit a pre‑dawn home invasion and stabbing that killed four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen (21), Kaylee Goncalves (21), Xana Kernodle (20) and Ethan Chapin (20). Investigators say he left little physical evidence but dropped a Ka‑Bar knife sheath that contained his DNA.

After more than two years of investigation, Kohberger pleaded guilty when his attempts to remove the possibility of capital punishment were unsuccessful. He received four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole plus an additional 10 years.

Prison Life and Grievances

McDonough said Kohberger entered the facility with a figurative target on his back because of the notoriety of the case and the victims’ apparent lack of connection to him. In the months since his incarceration, Kohberger has filed official grievances alleging harassment, threats and mistreatment by fellow inmates.

Among the complaints McDonough relayed are repeated objections to taunting, a request to be transferred out of J‑Block, and grievances about the quality and type of food — specifically bananas — citing his vegan diet. McDonough noted that meal services in the unit are handled by inmates, suggesting other prisoners could deliberately provide poor portions.

Isolation, Safety Concerns and Self‑Harm Claims

Kohberger is reportedly held in a cell that keeps him physically isolated for roughly 23 hours a day, which reduces the immediate risk of another inmate carrying out a physical attack. Nonetheless, he has pushed for relocation from J‑Block and, according to McDonough’s source, has implied he will harm himself if not moved. McDonough characterized that implication as possibly manipulative — a tactic to obtain a transfer — though officials must treat any self‑harm claim seriously.

This reporting is based on statements to McDonough from an unnamed source and reflects allegations about Kohberger’s conduct and complaints while incarcerated. Some details have not been independently verified in public records disclosed at the time of reporting.