Full Breakdown
Tracking the Suspect: How Campus Police Identified Bryan Kohberger
4/17/2026, 10:57:32 PM
Internal Tracking of Kohberger's Vehicle
Internal emails from Washington State University (WSU) have revealed that campus police tracked Bryan Kohberger's vehicle, a white 2015 Hyundai Elantra, weeks before he became a suspect in the murders of four University of Idaho students. The tracking occurred shortly after law enforcement received information regarding the suspect vehicle on November 28, 2022. According to then-chief of the WSU Police Department, Gary Jenkins, Officer Daniel Tiengo and Sergeant Curtis James Whitman identified Kohberger's car just 16 hours after the alert was issued. Kohberger was arrested on December 30, 2022.
In an email sent on January 5, 2023, Jenkins noted discrepancies in the timeline presented in the arrest warrant affidavit. He stated that the affidavit inaccurately indicated that law enforcement agencies were alerted to be on the lookout for the vehicle on November 25, 2022, when in fact, the alert was not issued until November 28. Jenkins praised Tiengo and Whitman for their swift actions, emphasizing that their work positively reframed the public perception of the WSU Police Department.
Timeline of Events
The timeline of the events surrounding the murders is critical to understanding the context of Kohberger's tracking. On November 13, 2022, between 4:00 a.m. and 4:17 a.m., four University of Idaho students—Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves—were murdered at their residence in Moscow, Idaho. Following the incident, a series of calls and texts were made by surviving roommates, indicating attempts to reach the victims. A 911 call was placed around noon on the same day.
Official Statements & Responses
In a separate email dated November 27, 2022, Corporal Brett Payne, the lead detective for the Moscow Police Department, instructed local law enforcement not to stop or detain the white Hyundai Elantra under any circumstances unless it was a life-or-death emergency. This directive highlights the cautious approach taken by law enforcement during the investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
While the actions of the WSU Police Department have been praised by Jenkins, some may question the effectiveness of the initial response and the timeline discrepancies noted in the arrest warrant affidavit. Critics could argue that the misalignment in timelines raises concerns about the coordination among law enforcement agencies during a critical investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is the great work of Tiengo and Whitman that puts WSU PD in a favorable light on a national stage," Jenkins added.” — Gary Jenkins, Former Chief of WSU Police Department
- “The vehicle in the flyer is of interest to MPD Investigations, however you must understand YOU ARE ORDERED NOT TO STOP, DETAIN, OR CONTACT THE DRIVER unless it is a life-or-death emergency,” — Brett Payne, Lead Detective, Moscow Police Department
What's Next
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders on July 2, 2025, in a deal that spared him from the death penalty. He will serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. The implications of this case continue to resonate within the community and law enforcement practices.
