Inside Kohberger’s Last Power Play: Why He Won’t Pay the Families He Destroyed

Inside Kohberger’s Last Power Play: Why He Won’t Pay the Families He Destroyed

There’s a kind of cruelty that doesn’t end with a conviction. It’s quieter — colder — and it shows up in the fine print of legal filings long after the headlines fade.

Convicted killer Bryan Kohberger, now serving four consecutive life sentences for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, has found a new way to wound the families of his victims — by refusing to pay them the restitution the court ordered.

In a stunning October filing, Kohberger’s defense argued he shouldn’t have to pay because the victims’ families received donations through GoFundMe. That’s right — he’s trying to use the kindness of strangers as a legal loophole to get out of paying what he owes. His lawyers claim the families “did not suffer an economic loss” because they were “extensively funded” through public generosity.

It’s a move that feels less like a legal argument and more like one final act of control from a man who’s spent every step of this process refusing to take accountability. The same man who broke into 1122 King Road that November night and took four young lives is now arguing over dollars and decimals from his prison cell.

But here’s the deeper truth: this isn’t about money — it’s about power. About the narcissistic offender’s need to stay relevant, to twist the knife one last time, even when the world’s stopped listening. The Goncalves and Mogen families, who’ve already endured the unthinkable, are being forced to re-engage with a man who should’ve faded into the background of justice months ago.

This episode of Hidden Killers breaks down the legal, psychological, and moral layers of Kohberger’s final insult — how it exposes the pathology of control, entitlement, and complete emotional detachment that’s defined him from the start.

Because for Bryan Kohberger, the violence never really stopped. It just changed form.


#BryanKohberger #IdahoMurders #HiddenKillers #TrueCrimePodcast #KayleeGoncalves #MadisonMogen #XanaKernodle #EthanChapin #CrimePsychology #JusticeForIdaho4

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Could The Bryan Kohberger 'Autism Argument' Humanize Him or Harden the Jury Against Him?

Could The Bryan Kohberger 'Autism Argument' Humanize Him or Harden the Jury Against Him?

Could The Bryan Kohberger 'Autism Argument' Humanize Him or Harden the Jury Against Him? Is autism spectrum disorder a factor in criminal behavior, or are we just looking for answers in the wrong places? The debate around mental health in high-profile criminal cases is as heated as ever, but when it comes to the alleged actions of Bryan Kohberger, the prosecution is doing everything it can to keep discussions of his mental state far, far away from the jury’s ears. Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke dive deep into the murky waters of mental health and the law, questioning whether autism is misunderstood in criminal investigations. Why is the prosecution so determined to remove any argument related to Kohberger’s mental state? Would an insanity defense even hold up in court, or would it just be a distraction from the hard evidence—like DNA, cell phone pings, and a suspiciously well-timed blackout on the night in question? And then there’s the bigger question: Is mental health something courts should consider more often, or are we just making excuses for behavior that should simply be judged on cold, hard facts? What’s the right balance between justice and understanding? #BryanKohberger #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #AutismAndCrime #CrimeInvestigation #CourtroomDrama #DNAEvidence Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

6 Mar 14min

DNA Under Idaho Victim’s Nails Does It Clear or Incriminate Kohberger

DNA Under Idaho Victim’s Nails Does It Clear or Incriminate Kohberger

DNA Under Idaho Victim’s Nails Does It Clear or Incriminate Kohberger DNA evidence is at the center of the Bryan Kohberger trial, but not all forensic evidence is as clear-cut as it seems. While prosecutors claim that DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene directly links Kohberger to the Idaho student murders, the defense argues that another DNA sample—a 3-person mixture found under victim Madison Mogen’s fingernails—raises serious doubts about his involvement. With forensic experts disagreeing on the interpretation of the evidence, the case is shaping up to be a legal battle over the science of DNA analysis. In this episode, we break down why DNA mixtures are so controversial, how forensic labs analyze complex samples, and what it actually means when someone is "included" but not definitively matched to a crime scene. We also examine how the prosecution used investigative genetic genealogy to track Kohberger through a public DNA database—a method that has solved cold cases but also sparked debates about privacy and forensic reliability. Could the DNA evidence in this case be misleading the jury? Or is it the key to convicting Kohberger? Join us as we dive deep into the forensic science, legal strategies, and real-world impact of DNA evidence in high-profile criminal trials. Whether you're following this case closely or just want to understand how forensic DNA works, this episode delivers the facts, the science, and the controversies you need to know. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

6 Mar 27min

The Idaho Student Murders: Unraveling the Legal Labyrinth

The Idaho Student Murders: Unraveling the Legal Labyrinth

Imagine a courtroom where secrecy becomes the rule rather than the exception. That's precisely what’s happening in the case of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of the November 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. Recently, 4th District Judge Steven Hippler made it clear he’s had enough of the excessive number of sealed documents being filed by both the defense and prosecution. He emphasized that this level of secrecy contradicts the public’s First Amendment right to know what’s happening in their courts. His order? Attorneys must take the least restrictive approach necessary—redact a few lines, use initials if needed, but stop sealing everything. Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder for the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The four students were brutally killed in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, at a rental home near their campus in Moscow, Idaho. When asked to enter a plea last year, Kohberger stood silent, prompting the judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have already announced their intent to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. As the trial approaches, a wave of legal motions has been filed—many of them under seal. One key motion from the defense argues that the death penalty should be taken off the table, citing Kohberger’s autism spectrum disorder. The argument? That executing someone with such a condition could constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Other sealed motions tackle issues such as whether the prosecution can use terms like “psychopath” or “sociopath” in court, as well as the presence of immediate family members during the proceedings. Judge Hippler has ruled that while some of these documents will remain sealed, others will be redacted and made public to strike a balance between transparency and confidentiality. The trial is set to begin on August 11, 2025, and is expected to last more than three months. Given the intense media scrutiny, selecting an impartial jury will be a major challenge. Judge Hippler’s push for a more open court process is an effort to maintain public trust while ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved. As the legal battle unfolds, the families of the victims and the wider community remain hopeful that justice will be served. The court’s approach to balancing transparency with due process will be key in determining how this case moves forward. #IdahoStudentMurders #BryanKohberger #LegalTransparency #JusticeForTheFour Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

6 Mar 10min

Bryan Kohberger’s Autism Defense A Game-Changer or Desperate Move

Bryan Kohberger’s Autism Defense A Game-Changer or Desperate Move

Bryan Kohberger’s Autism Defense A Game-Changer or Desperate Move In this explosive deep dive into the Bryan Kohberger case, we unravel the latest legal twists that could change everything. His defense team has now introduced an autism spectrum disorder argument, claiming it should exempt him from the death penalty. But will this strategy hold up in court? We break down the legal implications, expert opinions, and whether this move is a groundbreaking legal defense or a last-ditch effort to spare his life. Meanwhile, Judge Steven Hippler has finally had enough of the secrecy surrounding this case, slamming both the defense and prosecution for excessive sealed filings. With new court orders prioritizing transparency, we explore what this means for the public, the jury pool, and the integrity of the trial itself. What was hidden in these filings, and why did the judge say "enough is enough"? And finally, the courtroom battles rage on over what the jury will actually hear. The defense wants to ban terms like "psychopath" and "sociopath," while prosecutors fight to bring up a 2014 incident from Kohberger’s past. Plus, the ongoing fight over the presence of victims’ families in the courtroom and accusations that the prosecution is withholding evidence. This case is shaping up to be one of the most intense legal showdowns in recent history—don’t miss this critical update. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

5 Mar 32min

Will Kohberger's Alleged Autism Spectrum Disorder Save Him From A Death Sentence?

Will Kohberger's Alleged Autism Spectrum Disorder Save Him From A Death Sentence?

Will Kohberger's Alleged Autism Spectrum Disorder Save Him From A Death Sentence? What happens when the strongest defense strategy isn’t proving innocence, but making the jury question everything they thought they knew? Bryan Kohberger’s legal team is running out of moves, and now, they’re playing a psychological game—one that’s less about evidence and more about creating doubt. With all motions denied, they have no choice but to humanize Kohberger, challenge forensic science, and maybe even throw autism spectrum disorder into the mix as a mitigating factor. But is this a strategic move or a desperate gamble? And more importantly—will the jury buy it? #TrueCrime #BryanKohberger #HiddenKillers #PsychologyOfCrime #CriminalDefense #ForensicScience #LegalStrategy Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

5 Mar 12min

Can an Autism Defense Keep Bryan Kohberger Off Death Row? A Legal Breakdown

Can an Autism Defense Keep Bryan Kohberger Off Death Row? A Legal Breakdown

Could claiming autism spectrum disorder really be a life-or-death strategy? Bryan Kohberger's defense team is throwing a curveball, suggesting that ASD should factor into whether he faces the death penalty. But here’s the problem—autism isn’t a get-out-of-execution-free card. In fact, this argument could backfire spectacularly. Former prosecutor Eric Faddis joins to break down the legal implications. Will the jury see this as a legitimate mitigation factor, or will it only reinforce their suspicions? And if the defense is leaning into this strategy, does that mean they’re running out of other options? More importantly, if he didn’t do it… why would this even matter? #BryanKohberger #IdahoMurders #TrueCrime #DeathPenalty #AutismDefense #LegalStrategy #CrimeAnalysis Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

5 Mar 13min

Could Autism Impact Kohberger’s Fate? Robin Dreeke Discusses

Could Autism Impact Kohberger’s Fate? Robin Dreeke Discusses

Could Autism Impact Kohberger’s Fate? Robin Dreeke Discusses Could autism be the legal loophole that saves Bryan Kohberger from the death penalty? His defense team is tossing out a new argument—Kohberger may be on the autism spectrum, and therefore, less culpable for his alleged crimes. But is this a legitimate factor in understanding his behavior, or just a last-ditch effort to play on the jury’s emotions? Former FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke breaks down the psychology behind the claim, the shaky science supporting it, and whether this move is a stroke of legal genius or pure desperation. Could redefining Kohberger’s alleged actions through the lens of autism change the course of his trial? #TrueCrime #BryanKohberger #AutismDefense #CrimeAnalysis #HiddenKillers #LegalStrategy #ForensicPsychology Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

4 Mar 12min

Could Autism Make Kohberger 'Less Guilty' FBI Profiler Weighs In

Could Autism Make Kohberger 'Less Guilty' FBI Profiler Weighs In

Could Autism Make Kohberger 'Less Guilty' FBI Profiler Weighs In Could autism be the latest legal loophole in the Bryan Kohberger case? His defense team seems to think so. In a move that’s equal parts surprising and desperate, they’re floating the idea that he’s on the autism spectrum—suggesting it could be a mitigating factor in avoiding the death penalty. But does this argument hold any real weight, or is it just another strategy to play on jury emotions? Retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke breaks it all down, questioning whether Kohberger's alleged meticulous planning, stalking, and cover-up attempts align more with high-functioning decision-making rather than impulsive behavior. The real kicker? Studies show people on the spectrum are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators. So, is this just a last-ditch attempt to humanize him in front of the jury? Will the defense’s strategy backfire by offending those who know and love people on the spectrum? And most importantly—will the jury buy it? #BryanKohberger #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #AutismDefense #DeathPenalty #CrimeAnalysis #FBIProfiler Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

3 Mar 26min

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