Key piece of evidence used by Bryan Kohberger in University of Idaho murders pictured for first time
The sheath of the Ka-Bar knife used by Bryan Kohberger in the murders of four University of Idaho students at their house in 2022. Idaho State Police
Idaho State Police have released photos of the Ka-Bar knife sheath that Bryan Kohberger left at the University of Idaho murder scene — a crucial piece of evidence that led investigators to his arrest after an exhaustive nationwide probe into the brutal slayings of four students in an off-campus home.
The newly disclosed images were part of a massive public records release totaling over 2,300 pages compiled by state investigators.
Among the materials were handwritten notes from detectives, photos of nail clippings from the victims tested for DNA, and forensic reports detailing evidence recovered from Kohberger’s white Hyundai Elantra.
Crime lab experts discovered a DNA sample on the button snap of the sheath, which proved to be the investigative breakthrough authorities needed. That DNA was traced through genetic genealogy to Kohberger’s family, ultimately leading law enforcement to his parents’ home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, where he was arrested on December 30, 2022.
Kohberger later pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole, plus an additional ten years, for the murders of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20.
According to investigative notes, the victims had left a sliding door open that night for Goncalves’ dog, who was later found unharmed in her bed. Goncalves and Mogen were both killed in Mogen’s bedroom.
Much of the newly released documentation details early forensic work in the case — including DNA matching, fingerprint processing, and other key evidence that helped bring one of the most closely watched investigations in Idaho history to a close.
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