Arrest in Idaho student murders: Bryan Christopher Kohberger plans to waive extradition hearing after arrest in Pennsylvania

Moscow, Idaho — A 28-year-old graduate student arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the murder of four University of Idaho students is believed to be the sole suspect in the high-profile case, officials said.

Moscow Police Chief James Fry told ABC News on Saturday:

RELATED: Timeline of Murder of Four University of Idaho Students

Fry said in connection with the November 13 stabbing deaths of roommates Cary Goncalves, Madison Morgen, Zana Carnold, and Carnold’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin at an off-campus girl’s home. He said he did not anticipate any additional arrests.

“He was home on vacation.”

Suspect Brian Koberger was arrested early Friday morning at his parents’ home in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, where Koberger went just days before Christmas, Monroe County chief public defender Jason Lover told CNN. told to

A white man who was being searched by Elantra authorities in connection with the killing was also at his parents’ home, the lawyer added.

“He was home on vacation,” said LaBar.

Police say he is a graduate student at Washington State University, less than 10 miles from the University of Idaho.

Washington State University recognizes Coberger as a Ph.D. Criminal Justice and Criminology students. He completed the first semester of his criminal justice program earlier this month, according to the university.

Coberger’s father traveled with him from Washington state to Pennsylvania, according to a public defender and a person who claims to have interacted with the father and son in early December.

The person, who requested anonymity, said he didn’t know the father and son at a car mechanic’s shop in Pennsylvania on Dec. 16 while they were getting their Elantra serviced, but they had a friendly conversation. (Another person also confirmed to CNN that a father and son were trading at the location on Dec. 16.)

The father told the individual that he flew to Washington state and took a cross-country trip with Coberger, adding that the son would travel to the West Coast alone after the holidays. does not indicate any involvement in CNN has attempted to reach out to his father for comment.

The suspect reportedly told the man that he wanted to go into the field of behavioral criminal justice and become a professor. talked.

Coberger plans to abandon extradition

Kohberger was arrested on four counts of first-degree murder and robbery and is being held without bail, Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson said. Thompson said Coberger is expected to appear in court in Pennsylvania on Tuesday to begin extradition proceedings.

Coberger intends to waive his extradition hearings to “facilitate his transportation to Idaho” and is “eager to be cleared of these charges,” calling the hearing suspects. Representing public defender Jason Allen Lover said Saturday.

“Mr. Koberger has been accused of very serious crimes, but the American judicial system has shrouded him in a veil of innocence. He should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Yes, and should not be tried in a court of public opinion,” Lavers said in a statement. “No judgment should be made on the facts of a case unless there has been a fair trial before a court in which all sides have been heard and the inferences have been challenged.”

Fry said police were looking for a murder weapon, believed to be a fixed-blade knife, and had no motive. The chief said police had evidence that this was a targeted attack, but could not share details at this time.

Fry said more than 400 calls were made to the Moscow police hotline within an hour of Koberger being identified as a suspect.

RELATED: What We Know About the University of Idaho Murder Suspect

White Modern Elantra Found

A white Hyundai Elantra found near the victim’s home at the time of the crime is believed to be Coberger’s, Fry said.

Police previously said they believed the resident had “material” information on the incident.Fry said police did not believe that anyone else was in the vehicle at the time. .

Law enforcement agents seized the car from Coberger’s parents’ Pennsylvania home, and according to Frye, it’s being processed.

About the lack of transparency

A probable cause affidavit detailing the reasons for Coberger’s arrest has been sealed and cannot be released until he returns to Idaho, Thompson said.

Fry said more information will be released once the seal is lifted, including Coberger’s whereabouts over the past few weeks and why police ended up in the Hyundai Elantra.

The murders, which have been criticized for lack of transparency from police, have sparked growing dissatisfaction among some of the victims’ families.

Frye addressed those concerns on Saturday.

“We did what we were supposed to do professionally and will continue to do so,” he said. “We knew what we needed to do. I said from the beginning that we would protect the integrity of this case. I think you are aware of

WATCH | Idaho Officials Update Public Information After Arrest of College Murder Suspect

The victim’s family and the Moscow community expressed relief at the news of the arrest after more than six weeks of tension.

“I think there are some closures there,” Frye said. “And it always feels good to give people closure and help them heal a little bit.”

CNN contributed to this post.