Footage has surfaced allegedly showing Bryan Kohberger, a convicted killer, pacing in his cell with noticeably red hands.
Kohberger, who has a background in criminology, received four consecutive life sentences last month for the 2022 murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and 20-year-olds Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
The tragic events occurred on November 13, when the students were discovered dead in their shared off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho, where roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke were present during the incident.
Initially, Kohberger pleaded not guilty to murder charges, but later accepted a plea deal admitting to the killings, thereby avoiding the death penalty.
Under the plea agreement, Kohberger received a ten-year sentence for burglary alongside the four life sentences for first-degree murder.
Recently released footage shows Kohberger approaching a shelf in his cell, placing an object on it, and examining his hands, which he reportedly washes frequently, causing them to become red and irritated.
The origin of this video is under investigation by officials at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, located roughly 20 minutes from Boise, Idaho, where Kohberger is incarcerated.
The Idaho Department of Correction released a statement on Friday (August 15): “We are aware of the videos circulating online and are investigating the matter.
“While we cannot yet confirm the veracity of the videos, if verified, they are a clear violation of IDOC policy and the parties responsible will be held accountable, up to and including termination. We caution that some videos may be fake or AI-enhanced.
“On July 23 and again on July 25, IDOC leadership sent two emails to staff reminding them of our policies and expectations concerning professionalism and the appropriate use of technology and social media.
“Videotaping and publicly sharing security footage is prohibited conduct and we will be reviewing all legal options, including criminal prosecution.
“The safety and security of our staff and incarcerated population remain our top priority.”
This development follows recent reports of Kohberger’s complaints to prison staff about being ‘taunted’ by fellow inmates.
“We are aware of Kohberger’s complaints about what he considers taunting,” stated the department in a communication to NBC News.
“Incarcerated individuals commonly communicate with each other in prison. Bryan Kohberger is housed alone in a cell, and IDOC security staff maintain a safe and orderly environment for all individuals in our custody.”