Bryan Kohberger had only 18 contacts saved in phone: Digital forensics expert

(NewsNation) — Bryan Kohberger had only 18 contacts saved in his phone, according to the digital forensics experts who analyzed his devices.

Heather and Jared Barnhart, who investigated Kohberger’s phone and hard drive, told "Banfield" Thursday that they made several “eerie” finds as they poured over the data.

They spoke out about their investigation after Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty to killing Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves in their off-campus apartment in November 2022.

Kohberger's 18 saved contacts

"He had 18 personal contacts. Eighteen," Heather said. "Think about all the people you meet and the hundreds of random numbers.

“And they were even identified as 'girl I ran with,' 'second girl I ran with.' A contact, then in parentheses 'hair.'

"Then there was mother and father, and his sister and just a few others."

Another detail that disturbed the Barnharts was how Kohberger saved his parents in his phone as “Mother” and “Father” and referred to them by those names in texts.

"It's eerie. It stands out from any other case I've worked," Jared said.

Calls to 'mother' and 'father'

It was revealed Wednesday that Kohberger called his mother less than two hours after murdering the college students.

He phoned her repeatedly and spent more than three hours talking with her the day of the murders.

The Barnharts also noted that Kohberger would immediately call his father if he couldn’t reach his mother, and would constantly call and text them beginning at 5 a.m.

"And also at night, to almost talk him into going to sleep and being able to rest," Heather said.

They said he barely communicated with anyone other than his parents.

Kohberger cut WiFi before murders

Jared told "Banfield" that two days before the murders, Kohberger switched his phone off WiFi.

“He didn't want his device to be able to connect to WiFi,” Jared said.

"It turned back on soon after the murders.”

After admitting he committed the murders as part of a plea deal, Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison and is being housed in solitary confinement in a maximum security facility outside Boise, Idaho.

He reportedly complained about being tormented in prison and the facility has since spoken out, saying he is safe despite inmates' taunts.

His motive for killing the four college students has never been revealed.