Bryan Kohberger’s prison placement may follow the same path as another convicted killer, Chad Daybell. Kohberger pleaded guilty to four murders and one burglary charge. He did so to avoid the death penalty.
Given the nature of his crimes, he will likely end up in Idaho’s only maximum-security prison. That facility, the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI), sits in a large prison complex near Boise. It houses up to 549 inmates, according to the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC).
IDOC classifies inmates like Kohberger as “close custody.” These are inmates with long sentences, escape risks, or serious discipline issues. Kohberger received four fixed life sentences. That means he will never qualify for parole.
Bryan Kohberger’s prison placement could lead to IMSI. Chad Daybell is already there, serving on death row. The state sends all death row inmates to IMSI because it houses the execution chamber. Daybell was convicted of murdering his wife and the two children of Lori Vallow, whom he later married.
Even if Kohberger joins IMSI, he may not cross paths with Daybell.These individuals live in solitary confinement, separated from others.
However, the state might consider another option for Kohberger. Idaho also sends prisoners to Saguaro Correctional Center (SCC) in Arizona. That facility, located in the desert, currently houses other Idaho inmates. One of them is Majorjon Kaylor, who also committed a multiple-murder crime.
Because of this precedent, Bryan Kohberger’s prison placement may shift to SCC. Before final placement, he will spend two weeks at the reception and diagnostic unit. There, he will undergo physical and mental evaluations. Officials will also assess his educational needs.
Since his extradition from Pennsylvania, Kohberger has remained in custody. He moved from Latah County to Ada County after a judge approved his venue change request.
With the trial canceled, Kohberger will spend a few more weeks in jail. Bryan Kohberger’s prison placement remains a decision with high security and public interest at stake.
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