Episode Details

While studying criminal justice at DeSales University in 2020, Bryan Kohberger wrote a 12-page paper titled “Crime-Scene Scenario Final” describing how investigators should process the fictional stabbing death of a 35-year-old woman. The paper laid out procedures for securing the scene, obtaining a search warrant, contacting supervisors, forensic personnel and the coroner, photographing evidence and protecting the chain of custody. Kohberger also discussed collecting biological material, examining surveillance footage and questioning neighbors or anyone who regularly passed through the area in order to establish and verify alibis.

The most striking portion concerned contamination and trace evidence. Kohberger wrote about investigators using gloves, boot coverings and fiber-free protective clothing that covered the mouth, hair and body to avoid introducing material into a crime scene. Prosecutors later sought to use the essay to demonstrate his detailed knowledge of crime-scene procedures, including how evidence can be preserved, transferred or potentially avoided. The paper was not a confession or proof that he was planning the Idaho murders, and much of it reflected ordinary forensic coursework, but its discussion of a knife killing and methods for limiting contamination took on a far more disturbing significance after Kohberger was charged and ultimately pleaded guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students.


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