In the ongoing investigation into the tragic deaths of four University of Idaho students, investigators have taken steps to uncover more information about suspect Brian Kohberger’s online activities, particularly regarding “click activity pertaining to knives.” Kohberger, 28, was indicted in May on four counts of murder and other charges related to the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves, who were discovered deceased in an off-campus residence on November 13 of the previous year.
Authorities in Moscow, Idaho, have executed search warrants targeting online platforms including Amazon, Apple, PayPal, Venmo, and YouTube. Documents related to these warrants were released with a date of September 8 and originated in the Second Judicial District of Idaho State Court.
One of the warrants, executed on May 8 and returned on July 5, sought records from a redacted Amazon account for two time periods: March 20 – 30, 2022, and November 1 – December 6, 2022. It specifically requested “all detailed customer click activity pertaining to knives and accessories.” This search is likely related to the fact that the autopsy indicated the victims were likely attacked with a large knife and died from multiple stab wounds. A male DNA sample was previously linked to a knife sheath found under one of the victims, Madison Mogen.
Additionally, the search warrant for Apple, obtained on August 1 and returned on August 9, aimed to secure records from an Apple ID account, associated devices, message history, and iCloud activity.
The warrants for Venmo and PayPal sought financial information, while the one for YouTube pertained to search history.
The released documents did not disclose the findings from these search warrants.
Brian Kohberger was taken into custody on December 30, and a grand jury indicted him in May. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Kohberger, who was pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice at a nearby university at the time of his arrest, has claimed that he went for a solo drive on the night and morning before the victims’ bodies were discovered.
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Authorities connected Kohberger to the crime scene through various means, including cellphone signals, security camera footage, witness statements, and the aforementioned leather knife sheath, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in January.
