Family of Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger are ‘shocked’ at his arrest and ‘can’t believe’ he’s responsible for killing four students, as he arrives at court for extradition hearing

• Family members of Bryan Kohberger say the crimes are not in his ‘character’
• The 28-year-old is set to appear at a Pennsylvania court for extradition hearing 
• His lawyer claims that Kohberger said he believes that he will be ‘exonerated’ 
• The criminal justice graduate student is accused of the quadruple murder  

The family of Bryan Kohberger is ‘shocked’ that he has been accused of murdering four University of Idaho students as they slept – hours before his extradition hearing.

Kohberger’s lawyer claims that they believe it is ‘completely out of character’ for the 28-year-old to be accused of the bloody slayings on November 13. 

Jason LaBar says that Kohberger’s father, Michael, flew from Pennsylvania to Washington to meet his son before Christmas and head home together.

They drove back in the white Hyundai Elantra being sought by cops in relation to the murders, it is said. Kohberger’s hearing is due to take place at 3:30pm EST.   

Hours before his extradition hearing in Pennsylvania, Bryan Kohberger’s family told his lawyer that they are ‘shocked’ he is being accused of the quadruple murder

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LaBar told NBC News that he expects Kohberger to ‘sign the extradition paperwork’ as soon as he is brought into court in Pennsylvania later.

He was arrested after being tracked by the FBI for four days near his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, with authorities narrowing down the suspect from genetic genealogy.

His lawyer added that he discussed ‘what he should expect’ when he returns to Idaho, as he is only his public defender for the extradition hearing.

Kohberger also told LeBar that he believes he will be ‘exonerated’ when he is transferred to Idaho, and has remained ‘calm’.

LeBar said: ‘His family doesn’t believe it to be Bryan. They can’t believe this, they are obviously very shocked.

‘This is certainly completely out of character, the allegations, and really they’re just trying to be supportive – with the understanding that these four families have suffered loss.

On Friday, the criminal justice graduate student was arrested in connection with the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin , 20.

Jason LaBar claims that Kohberger’s father, Michael, flew from Pennsylvania to Washington to meet his son before Christmas and head home together

On Friday, the criminal justice graduate student was arrested in connection with the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin, 20

The victims’ families are eagerly awaiting Kohberger’s extradition, and for the probable cause affidavit to become public

‘So they’re sympathetic to that and that’s why it should remain really private. 

They don’t want to try this case in the court of public opinion and without knowing the facts and evidence of right now they don’t really want to comment on things.’

Kohberger arrived at a court in Pennsylvania several hours early, and will go before a judge at 3.30pm today.

He was seen entering the court wearing a red prison jumpsuit and handcuffs, though he did not appear to be shackled by the feet. 

Kohberger has been in contact with Idaho’s Public Defense Commission to help the family find a new attorney.

The victims’ families are eagerly awaiting Kohberger’s extradition, and for the probable cause affidavit to become public.

Investigators started tracking Kohbergers movements across the US, with witnesses claiming that they saw both him and his father getting repairs done to a white Hyundai Elantra on December 16.

Graduate PhD student Kohberger had previously studied under a professor in Pennsylvania known for her expertise on serial killers and was studying criminology at Washington State University at the time of the slayings

He was arrested after being tracked by the FBI for four days near his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, with authorities narrowing down the suspect from genetic genealogy

Police then impounded the vehicle from outside of his parents’ home when they swooped on the property in Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County.

It is understood that the alleged killer will be returned to Idaho within 72 hours of the extradition hearing.

Graduate PhD student Kohberger had previously studied under a professor in Pennsylvania known for her expertise on serial killers and was studying criminology at Washington State University at the time of the slayings.

Investigators in Moscow, Idaho, have yet to outline a motive in the murders of the four students, but those who knew Kohberger say he had a deep interest in the psychology of criminals.

Friends from high school claim that he struggled with heroin addiction in his younger years but appeared to have moved past it.

It is understood that the alleged killer will be returned to Idaho within 72 hours of the extradition hearing

Kohberger arrived at a court in Pennsylvania several hours early, and will go before a judge at 3.30pm today

Investigators started tracking Kohbergers movements across the US, with witnesses claiming that they saw both him and his father getting repairs done to a white Hyundai Elantra on December 16

Kohberger earned a psychology degree at community college in 2018, before studying psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University.

He was taught in part by renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who has written ‘The Mind of a Murderer’ and ‘How to Catch a Killer’.

Ramsland has declined to comment, but spent decades researching serial killers and mass murderers – and is best known for developing a close relationship with serial murderer Dennis Rader – known as BTK.

Federal and state investigators are now combing through his background, financial records and electronic communications as they work to identify a motive and build the case.

The investigators are also interviewing people who knew Kohberger, including those at Washington State University.

Kohberger may possibly face the death penalty in the state – in which his family can’t afford to hire an attorney to fight.

Kohberger earned a psychology degree at community college in 2018, before studying psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University

Heavy security around the Monroe County, Pennsylvania courthouse before Kohberger arrived for his hearing

Investigators are still trying to locate the murder weapon more than six weeks after the murders, which they believe was a large knife.

Kohberger’s family asked for privacy during this time as they cooperate with law enforcement to get to the bottom of the case.

Moscow Chief of Police James Fry refused to rule out that the killer had an accomplice.

Details of the killings, and the motive for them, are yet to be released, with law enforcement saying a sealed arrest affidavit will be released once Kohberger is extradited back to Idaho.

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