The brutal murder of four University of Idaho students in November 2022 sent shockwaves through the nation. While the arrest of suspect Bryan Kohberger, a former Washington State University graduate student, brought some sense of relief, the question of “why” has haunted investigators, families, and the public alike. Now, best-selling author and seasoned journalist Howard Blum delves deep into the case, offering a compelling and unsettling theory in his new book, “When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders”.
Obsession, Isolation, and a Killer’s Motive
Blum, known for his meticulously researched true crime narratives, posits that Kohberger, if guilty, may have targeted one victim specifically: Madison Mogen. Drawing on interviews, behavioral patterns, and meticulous on-the-ground reporting, Blum suggests Kohberger’s personality, marked by obsessions and a history of social isolation, could hold the key to understanding the tragedy.
A Journey Into the Mind of a Suspect
According to Blum, Kohberger exhibited obsessive tendencies throughout his life, from his struggles with heroin addiction to his dramatic weight loss and academic pursuits. These patterns, he argues, manifested in an unhealthy fixation on Mogen, whom he likely observed at the Mad Greek restaurant in Moscow, a location frequented by both Kohberger and the victims.
Was Kohberger Stalking His Victims?
While surveillance footage places Kohberger’s white Hyundai Elantra near the crime scene on multiple occasions, Blum refutes the idea of traditional stalking. Instead, he suggests these drives were Kohberger grappling with his internal demons, wrestling with the urge to commit violence while simultaneously seeking to escape it.
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Image caption: A white Hyundai Elantra similar to the one owned by Bryan Kohberger. Police investigated a possible connection between the vehicle and the Idaho student murders.
Each time Kohberger drove away from the King Road residence, Blum believes it was an attempt to resist the pull of his dark impulses. However, like a moth to a flame, he was drawn back to the scene, ultimately succumbing to the desire he so desperately fought against.
Unraveling the Events of That Fateful Night
Blum paints a harrowing picture of the night of the murders. He speculates that Kohberger, consumed by his fixation, entered the home intending to kill Mogen. The presence of Kaylee Goncalves in Mogen’s room was an unforeseen circumstance that ignited a chaotic struggle, ultimately leading to her death as well.
The murders of Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, according to Blum, were tragic collateral damage. Driven by a potent cocktail of rage and bloodlust, Kohberger lashed out at the couple as they confronted him, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
The Family’s Dark Secret: Did They Suspect Kohberger?
Blum’s investigation extends beyond the individual psyche of Kohberger, probing into the dynamics of his family. He reveals chilling details suggesting Kohberger’s family may have harbored suspicions about their son’s involvement in the murders.
Kohberger’s father’s reaction to a seemingly unrelated shooting at Washington State University, coupled with his sister’s observations of her brother’s unusual behavior in the days following the murders, hint at a family grappling with a horrifying truth they were hesitant to acknowledge.
A Travesty of Justice: The Delayed Trial and its Impact
Blum expresses his concern over the repeated delays in bringing Kohberger to trial, attributing them to the defense’s attempts to stall and manipulate the legal process. This delay, he argues, not only prolongs the agony of the victims’ families but also hinders the pursuit of justice for the community and the memories of those lost.
A Compelling Narrative and a Search for Answers
“When the Night Comes Falling” is a meticulously researched and masterfully crafted exploration of a crime that shook the nation. Blum’s chilling theory, while speculative, offers a plausible explanation for the seemingly inexplicable, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human psyche and the devastating consequences of unchecked obsession.
