Idaho Killer Kohberger Acted Out 'Psychosexual Fantasy' in Murders, Expert Says

Forensic psychologist believes Kohberger targeted one victim but lost control, leading to 'mass murder'.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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According to forensic psychologist Gary Brucato, Bryan Kohberger was trying to fulfill a 'psychosexual fantasy' when he murdered four University of Idaho students in November 2022. Brucato believes Kohberger had targeted Madison Mogen but ended up committing 'mass murder' when he found the other victims inside the home. The expert says Kohberger's anger fueled the frenzied attacks, with Mogen suffering the fewest stab wounds as she may have been the original target.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing psychological motivations behind mass killings, with experts analyzing the crime scene evidence to uncover Kohberger's potential 'psychosexual fantasy' as a driving factor. Understanding the mindset of perpetrators can help inform prevention efforts and support services for victims' families.

The details

Forensic psychologist Gary Brucato examined the autopsy findings and believes Kohberger targeted Madison Mogen but 'his intel failed him' when he found the other victims in the home. Mogen suffered 28 stab wounds, fewer than the other women, suggesting she may have been Kohberger's primary target. Kohberger's anger then fueled the more frenzied attacks on Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Brucato says Kohberger 'overestimated himself and underestimated women,' leading to the 'mass murder' when his 'psychosexual fantasy' was disrupted.

  • Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders in July 2025.
  • The killings occurred on November 13, 2022 in Moscow, Idaho.

The players

Bryan Kohberger

The 28-year-old man who pleaded guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022.

Gary Brucato

A forensic psychologist who helped found Columbia University's Mass Murder Database and analyzed the crime scene evidence in this case.

Madison Mogen

One of the four University of Idaho students killed, who may have been Kohberger's original target.

Kaylee Goncalves

One of the four University of Idaho students killed, who was sleeping in the same room as Mogen when Kohberger attacked.

Xana Kernodle

One of the four University of Idaho students killed, who was awake when Kohberger attacked.

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What they’re saying

“This was a targeted psychosexual fantasy probably aimed at one individual in the house. But his intel failed him. So, when he got in there, he wound up committing a mass murder because he was not able to control everything as he expected.”

— Gary Brucato, Forensic Psychologist (Daily Mail)

“You punish the ones who see you, the people who interrupt your fantasy.”

— Gary Brucato, Forensic Psychologist (Daily Mail)

What’s next

Kohberger is currently serving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders.

The takeaway

This case highlights the disturbing psychological motivations behind mass killings, with experts analyzing the crime scene evidence to uncover the perpetrator's potential 'psychosexual fantasy' as a driving factor. Understanding these complex motives can inform prevention efforts and support services for victims' families.