Idaho Killer Bryan Kohberger's Staggering Prison Fund Revealed As Victims' Families Demand Restitution

Bryan Kohberger's victims are seeking access to the money the convicted killer currently possesses, as well as any potential future earnings from projects related to his case.

Idaho prosecutors presented the argument during a recent hearing, which also revealed that the convicted killer has received "five figures" in donations from sympathizers since his arrest in 2022.

Bryan Kohberger was absent from the hearing, despite having the opportunity to join virtually from his current location at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.

On Wednesday, November 5, Idaho prosecutors returned to court to argue that they should be granted access to any funds Bryan Kohberger currently holds, as well as any potential earnings from movies or books related to the case.

The argument followed previous filings in which prosecutors sought more than $26,000 in additional restitution for some of the victims to cover expenses such as travel, accommodation, and funeral costs for urns.

According to Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, he and his team initially believed that the account would be covered by the Crime Victim Compensation Fund, but realized later that this wasn't the case.

However, after Judge Steven Hippler clarified that Kohberger's plea deal with the state did not include these additional financial obligations and that "plea agreements are interpreted as contracts," Thompson withdrew the request for travel expenses but continued to seek reimbursement for other costs.

Following the prosecutors' change in position, the amount they sought was reduced to $3,075.58, intended to cover the cost of urns for Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, whom Kohberger brutally murdered along with two other students at their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.

According to the Daily Mail, the defense, led by attorney Elisa Massoth, countered the request, arguing that Kohberger has no source of income to afford the previously agreed-upon restitution and, since he is incarcerated, has no means of earning money to pay it.

Thompson then fired back with a response that the victims' families should have the right to recover compensation from any potential future income Kohberger might earn, including profits from a possible book or movie deal about the case.

However, Massoth stated that there is currently "no movie or book in the works" involving the convicted killer, adding that the possibility is merely "speculation."

Amid the back and forth during the hearing, it came to light that Kohberger had received "five figures" in donations since his incarceration.

While the exact amount remains unclear, the convicted killer is believed to have access to these funds despite being in prison.

Following this revelation, Massoth argued that much of the money came from Kohberger's family so they could "maintain communication with their son and brother" while he is incarcerated.

However, the total amount appeared to be significantly higher than what inmates typically need for phone calls, which raised questions about the defense's explanation.

During the hearing, Judge Hippler refrained from making an immediate ruling, choosing instead to take the matter under advisement and issue a decision at a later date.

Still, the matter may not ultimately favor the defense, as the judge appeared unconvinced by their claims regarding Kohberger's lack of potential future income.

Although Kohberger had the option to attend the hearing virtually, he chose not to, having waived his right to appear.

He is currently housed at J Block in Idaho's Maximum Security Prison in Kuna, where he is serving multiple life sentences for his crimes.

Kohberger spends 23 hours a day in his cell, with just one hour allotted for outdoor recreation, as his housing unit is designed for limited movement.

Reports indicate that the convicted killer's life behind bars has become largely uneventful, except for occasional complaints about his treatment.

Early in his incarceration, Kohberger reportedly complained about not being able to access JPay, the system used by inmates to receive money from loved ones and supporters.

That issue was eventually resolved, as Kohberger later sent a thank-you note to a staff member in which he acknowledged he had gained access.