Mel Kohberger, the sister of Bryan Kohberger, has opened up about her family’s harrowing experience following the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students. In an interview published by The New York Times on January 3, Mel expressed her disbelief at Bryan’s actions, asserting that their family had no idea he was responsible for the crimes, which occurred on November 13, 2022.
Reflecting on the days surrounding the murders, Mel recalled reaching out to Bryan, urging him to stay safe as news of a mysterious killer circulated. She described her shock when she learned of his arrest, recounted through her sister Amanda’s call, thinking it might be a prank at first before feeling overwhelmed with nausea upon realizing the gravity of the situation.
In the years since the tragedy, Mel disclosed that being part of a family so closely connected to a national crime story has taken a toll on them. Following Bryan’s arrest and subsequent sentencing to four life terms in prison without parole in 2025, Mel left her job as a mental health counselor due to the intense media scrutiny and online speculation regarding their family. She recounted the painful experience of seeing her sister Amanda’s past work in a horror movie being scrutinized and misused by those seeking attention.
Mel described her brother as socially awkward but emphasized that she never witnessed any violence from him. She recalled their upbringing, where loyalty and compassion were of paramount importance, which fed into her disbelief when faced with the harsh reality of their family’s situation. Mel firmly rejected any notion that their family knew of Bryan’s actions, highlighting her readiness to report her brother if she had any suspicion of wrongdoing.
While the Kohberger family grapples with their own grief during the holidays, Mel expressed deep sympathy for the families of the victims. She became emotional discussing their pain, illustrating the complex feelings her family faces amidst their own struggles.
Moreover, reflecting on her past as a true crime enthusiast, Mel advocated for a cultural shift towards more empathy and understanding for victims’ families within the true crime community, a sentiment resonating deeply in a society captivated by darker stories. Her genuine plea suggests a hope for a future where discussions around crime prioritize protective measures for victims’ loved ones rather than sensationalism.
Mel Kohberger’s story sheds light on the emotional weight carried by families linked to high-profile criminal cases and emphasizes a collective responsibility to remember the human impact such tragedies have on all involved.