Idaho murders: Web sleuths question 'weird discrepancies' like vegan Bryan Kohberger using 'leather sheath'
This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently.
MOSCOW, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger, 28, has been charged with the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students. Kohberger was arrested on December 30 at his parents' home in eastern Pennsylvania, more than 2,000 miles away from the town of Moscow. The probable cause affidavit revealed an important detail that the suspect had left behind a knife sheath with his DNA on it. However, this development has prompted internet users to question how a 'leather sheath was being used by a vegan,' calling it a "weird discrepancy." Several users came forward with their theories, linking Kohberger's diet to "visual snow syndrome" as well as his "body and mental health issues."
Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were stabbed to death on November 13 in their off-campus rental home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger, a PhD student in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Washington State University, is now facing four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary charges. Kohberger is currently being held in Latah County Jail and is expected to be in court for a status hearing on January 12.
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One of the Reddit users wrote, "I am not trying to speculate or imply that BK is innocent in any way. I believe lots of evidence shows the police have their guy. HOWEVER, it was recently brought to my attention that the sheath was a true leather sheath. We know that BK is a vegan and I would assume would try to stay away from leather products. I am wondering if this is just a weird discrepancy?"
"Perhaps he bought the knife and didn’t realize it came with a leather sheath until it was already in his possession? Any other opinions or theories on this? I, myself, am not vegan but always understood that vegans stay away from all animal products (as much as possible, I do understand that replacing all leather products with faux leather is not financially feasible at once)," added the user.
(Reddit/@u/Optimal_Ad_82929)
Replying to this, a user speculated that Kohberger might be a vegan due to his "visual snow syndrome" and wrote, "it is speculated that he is a vegan because it helps relieve the symptoms caused by his visual snow syndrome. It has nothing to do with animal cruelty. Search the million previous posts regarding his elaborate writings about Visual Snow," wrote the user.
Another user agreed and added that Kohberger's vegan diet could be linked to his "obession" to avoid toxins. The user wrote, "After reading some postings from BK that highlighted his mental health issues I think the veganism was more about an obsession with avoiding 'toxins' that were causing his visual snow. I also heard somewhere that he had a fear of becoming "addicted" to meat. Given this information I think he was more concerned about the consumption of animal products and not animal welfare so using a leather sheath wouldn't bother him."
Whereas, a user alleged that the reason why Kohberger is vegan, is not his "love for animals" but could be attributed to his body issues. "Again this guy had/has mayor body issues, people with eating disorders tend to change their diets to lose weight. He being vegan has nothing to do with loving animals. Is the fact that he was fat and following a strict diet will keep the pounds off," wrote the user. "There is a difference between a dietary vegan and an ethical vegan. I'm sure someone far more knowledgeable than me can explain all the nuances," added another.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.