In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," Tony Brueski delves into a captivating and haunting criminal case that has gripped Moscow, Idaho since November of 2022. The alleged crime? Bryan Kohberger is accused of the first-degree murder of four college students. A tragedy that has left the community and the nation at large shaken and desperately searching for answers.
Brueski's guest on the episode was J. Ruben Appleman, author of the book "While Idaho Slept," which seeks to shed light on the events leading up to and after the chilling crimes. The book's name itself - an evident nod to the quietude of the rural state - reflects the unexpected darkness that emerged from a sleepy university town. Yet, as Appleman points out, his intention was not to sensationalize but to seek understanding.
"Why? Why? While Idaho slept," Brueski began, pointing out Appleman's dedication to the case. Appleman's involvement was not born out of a fascination with true crime, but a deeper emotional connection. He recounted his first book, "The Kill Jar," which centered around the unsolved abduction and murder of four children in his hometown, Detroit, Michigan. Drawing parallels, Appleman admitted that while he doesn't chase after crime stories, he is drawn to those that strike a chord within him.
"The first book I wrote, 'The Kill Jar'... I spent 10 years researching that case and wrote a book about it because it mattered to me," Appleman shared, emphasizing his deep ties to Idaho, having lived there for almost 25 years.
But Appleman's narrative does more than just uncover the horrifying facts of a crime; it paints a vivid picture of a community shaken by grief and suspicion. His candid portrayal of the criticisms against the Moscow Police Department during the initial investigation provides a gripping account of the unfolding drama. As Appleman passionately defends the local police, he recounts how they navigated the tightrope of public demands for transparency and the practicalities of keeping vital evidence confidential to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
"The press... wanted information. But it's not [the police's] job to give us that information," Appleman stated. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of Moscow's local police, Idaho state police, and the FBI in handling the sensitive case, debunking the public's perception of incompetence.
Amid the layers of the criminal investigation and public scrutiny, Appleman's dedication to truth-telling, both in his book and in his conversation with Brueski, remains at the forefront. His sincere desire is to serve as a voice for the community, especially when outsiders attempted to co-opt the narrative.
A poignant moment in their discussion came when Appleman acknowledged the East and West Coast media who descended on Moscow, standing out like "a sore thumb." His approach was starkly different - blending in, wearing the same worn-out flannel shirts as the locals, and trying to genuinely understand the pulse of the community.
As the conversation drew to a close, Brueski asked about Appleman's mindset before the arrest of Kohberger. Appleman reminisced about how he had started documenting the incidents with no clear intention of writing a book. It was the pull of the story, the community, and perhaps fate that led him to Harper Collins, who chose him, the local, over numerous other big names in journalism.
As Appleman's account on "Hidden Killers" unveils, the depth and breadth of the case against Bryan Kohberger goes far beyond the crimes he stands accused of. It's a story of a community, its grief, resilience, and search for justice.
Yet, as we step back, one lingering question remains: How well do we truly know the places we call home?
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