Chilling photos reveal evidence that brought down Bryan Kohberger

Chilling Photos Reveal Evidence That Brought Down Bryan Kohberger

For the first time, photos of the brown leather Ka-Bar knife sheath have been made public as part of more than 2,300 pages of evidence released by the Idaho State Police. This sheath was the pivotal piece of evidence that connected Bryan Kohberger to the murders of four University of Idaho students.

The Evidence That Exposed the Killer

On November 13, 2022, Kohberger fled the crime scene, leaving behind the knife sheath after fatally stabbing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Forensic experts used genetic genealogy to trace DNA found on the sheath to the 30-year-old criminology PhD student.

"It was this crucial piece of evidence that led to the killer’s downfall, as forensic genetic genealogy traced DNA on the sheath left behind at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, to the 30-year-old criminology PhD student."

Details of the Knife Sheath

The newly released photos display a brown leather cover marked with a USMC military seal, measuring under 15 inches long. Authorities confirmed that Kohberger purchased the sheath and the Ka-Bar knife, believed to be the murder weapon, from Amazon in March 2022—eight months before the murders and three months prior to moving from Pennsylvania to Washington.

"The knife has never been found."

Background Information

Evidence released by: Idaho State Police
Crime date: November 13, 2022
Number of victims: 4
Primary evidence: Ka-Bar knife sheath

Author’s Summary: Newly unveiled photos of Bryan Kohberger’s knife sheath expose the forensic breakthrough that ultimately linked him to the University of Idaho murders.

Daily Mail — 2025-11-04