Book reveales Kohberger’s mother’s interview and killer’s letters from jail

(NewsNation) — Bryan Kohberger’s mother described him as “my angel” in a newly revealed interview with authorities and insisted “my son wouldn’t do this” following his arrest in jail. 2022 Idaho student murders.

The interview is described in retired FBI agent Christopher Whitcomb’s new book: “Broken Defense: The Explosive Search for the Truth Behind the Idaho Murders,” draws on investigative files, court records, and Kohberger’s writings from prison.

In the book, Whitcomb reveals an interview he conducted with Kohberger’s mother, Maryann Kohberger, the day he was arrested at his family’s home in Pennsylvania.

Bloodstains in Idaho college killings ‘different’: Author of new book

“My son would not do this. I would risk my life on this. There is a mistake; something is wrong somewhere. I believe that too. And I know it in my heart,” he told FBI investigators.

She described her son as a “homebody” with few friends who was non-violent, reserved and focused on school and avoided drinking or partying, adding that she had no concerns about his behavior before his arrest.

Kohberger serving a life sentence after accepting a plea deal In July, Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at the University of Idaho.

Prosecutors linked Kohberger to the murders through DNA on the knife sheath, which was confirmed by a familial match in the trash. They also showed cellphone data showing he was near the house and offline at the time of the murders, as well as tracking of his white Hyundai Elantra and a roommate’s sighting of a masked man.

Bryan Kohberger wrote a letter to his dog and sister from prison

The book also details a series of abstract letters Kohberger wrote from prison to his family and pet.

In a letter to his dog, Scout, he spoke of an unseen “communication” and signed himself “Brother.”

“Previously, you and I ‘communicated’ without your knowledge, I have no doubt that your heart is conscious of my intentions…” he wrote.

A letter to his sister said: “Dear Amandayzz, In an abstract sense and through intuitive abilities, the August effect can be likened to the promise of the Heart being drawn into the green pastures before us… Always in Your Heart, Bernnzz.”

In a longer letter to his family, Kohberger talks about “soaring to new heights” and finding clarity through “Singular Heart.” He signs under multiple pseudonyms, including “Buddy” and “Brother”.

“We have traveled through many once new territories and found that although everything may seem changeable/entropic, this is the one constant from which clarity and serenity are always attainable,” he wrote.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Go to NewsNation for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.