Moscow murders: suspect agrees to voluntarily return to Idaho, PA police speak on arrest

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania - The sole suspect in the November quadruple murder of four University of Idaho students waived his extradition from Pennsylvania to Idaho to face murder charges.

Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the quadruple murder that took place in Moscow, Idaho, waived extradition at a hearing on Tuesday.
Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the quadruple murder that took place in Moscow, Idaho, waived extradition at a hearing on Tuesday.  © HANDOUT / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

At a hearing on Tuesday, Bryan Kohberger, the sole suspect in the Moscow murders case, waived extradition, meaning he agreed to voluntarily return to the state of Idaho where he faces four murder charges and a felony burglary charge.

Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom for the hearing, and those who were physically able to attend were barred from live-tweeting or texting while in the courtroom.

Per NewsNation reporter Brian Entin, who was in attendance, Kohberger is to be transported back to Idaho within 10 days. Once he arrives, he'll go before a judge and will then be allowed access to the probable-cause affidavit, which led to his arrest roughly 2,500 miles away from Moscow, Idaho last Friday.

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Following the exceptionally brief hearing, the Pennsylvania State Police held a press conference to speak about the "tactical" side of taking Kohberger into custody.

Major Christopher Paris, the Area III Commander of Pennsylvania State Police, said that the investigation has entered a new phase with Kohberger waiving extradition.

Pennsylvania State Police address Kohberger's arrest and return to Idaho

The house on King Road where the four college students were murdered has been taped off amid the ongoing investigation.
The house on King Road where the four college students were murdered has been taped off amid the ongoing investigation.  © David Ryder / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Though Paris was limited in what information he could share due to Idaho's state laws that require Kohberger be served with the arrest warrant and the probable-cause affidavit once in Idaho before such documents can be publicly shared, he noted that the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Michael Mancuso, the First Assistant District Attorney in Monroe County, said he was surprised to hear that a murder suspect for a crime in Idaho was in his county. "It hits close to home," he said at the press conference.

The assistant DA said he was only made aware about the suspect's existence in the county days before Kohberger was apprehended.

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Paris told reporters that roughly 50 "tactical assets" were on the scene at Kohberger's parent's house the night he was served several warrants and taken into custody. Additionally, he mentioned that multiple windows and doors were broken in order for law enforcement agents to "gain access" to the home and apprehend Kohberger when it was safest for everyone.

Mancuso noted that he believes Kohberger's decision to waive extradition and voluntarily return to Idaho is because he, much like many who have been following the case, wants to know what is listed in the arrest warrant and the probable-cause affidavit.

The details regarding the means and time of Kohberger's return to Idaho are being kept under wraps, but Paris said, "We would like to do it as soon as possible," while noting that the court order allows for up to 10 days.

Upon arrival in Idaho, Kohberger will be officially served with the murder arrest warrants, and the suspect will then have to appear before a judge, who will explain the charges against him and his rights.

Cover photo: Collage: HANDOUT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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