Kohberger Sister: 'I Would Have Turned Him In'

Three years after the tragic killings of four University of Idaho students, Bryan Kohberger's sister, Mel, has broken her family's long-held silence. In a recent interview, Mel shared insights into her childhood with Bryan and the profound impact his actions and subsequent arrest have had on their lives. She emphasized her commitment to justice, stating she would have reported her brother if any suspicion of his guilt had arisen.

The Kohberger family has navigated intense public scrutiny, a reality amplified by today's pervasive true crime culture. Mel herself faced professional repercussions, leaving her mental health counselor training after her employer received numerous inquiries. The family also dealt with the distressing phenomenon of others attempting to capitalize on the case using their likenesses. Mel described this experience as deeply confusing and painful, feeling victimized without being a direct victim of the crime.

Despite the notoriety, Mel spoke of past family pride in Bryan's academic pursuits. He had been a doctoral candidate in criminology at Washington State University, having overcome personal adversities including bullying and heroin addiction. She acknowledged the ongoing grief and the difficulty of navigating holidays without him, but quickly refocused on the victims' families, expressing deep empathy for their enduring pain.