Bryan Kohberger's only friend reveals chilling possible motive for gruesome Idaho murdersJeremiah Hassel Wed, October 21, 2026 at 7:07 PM UTC
Kohberger's longtime friend offered a chilling new potential motive for the University of Idaho killings -Credit:Monroe County Correctional Facil (Monroe County Correctional Facil)
Perhaps the only friend of convicted killer Bryan Kohberger offered a chilling potential motive for the University of Idaho killings that rocked the nation back in 2022.
Jack Baylis grew up with Kohberger in Pennsylvania and recalled reconnecting with his old friend back in 2021 — over a year before the notorious murders. He recalls getting a "bad, bad vibe" from Kohberger at the time, who appeared healthier after putting his past struggles with drugs and his weight behind him. It was the first time they met in years.
But now, a new potential motive may have emerged. Baylis recalled his shock at hearing about the heinous crimes Kohberger was accused of committing a year later, stating that he heard the news over the Christmas holidays that year. He speculated after the fact that Kohberger may have committed the murders because he "just wanted to know what murdering felt like." It comes after disturbing new images revealed the crime scene following Kohberger's murder spree.
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"I was very anxious the entire day. I couldn't stop shaking," Baylis told the Daily Mail, about the time he became reunited with Kohberger. He said he couldn't quite put his finger on what was bothering him.
The two reportedly discussed girls — a topic they used to discuss in their youth — and their struggles with being "ghosted." Kohberger's problems with women eventually became central to theories about why he targeted his victims.
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Kohberger argued that his lawyers didn't provide essential evidence and that he's innocent -Credit:AP
Kohberger broke into a student house near Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022, and slaughtered Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.
He was arrested at his parents' home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 30, 2022, which is about 17 miles from Baylis' home in Brodheadsville.
Last year, Kohberger admitted to the murders as part of a plea deal that took the death penalty off the table and was sentenced on July 23, 2025, to four consecutive life terms.
The case is about to be picked over once again, however, after Kohberger filed a handwritten petition back in July asking to withdraw his guilty plea.
Kohberger slaughtered for University of Idaho students -Credit:Instagram/ @kayleegoncalves
The now-31-year old, who was a 28-year-old PhD student at the nearby Washington State University, argued that his attorneys misled him and failed to mention unidentified "clumps" of hair that were found in Chapin's hand. He proclaimed his innocence.
No trial was held the first time because of the guilty plea, so evidence was never presented in court. If the plea is withdrawn, the case could go to trial, and the death penalty would be on the table again. Hearings will take place next year.
It comes after a psychiatrist offered a chilling insight into Kohberger's frame of mind before his shocking crimes.
Source: Crime
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