The human psyche has always intrigued us, whether through the intricate world of crime or our personal relationships. A recent discussion on the Hidden Killers Podcast with Tony Brueski explored the hidden facets of this very psyche, centering on Bryan Kohberger, the subject of J. Ruben Appleman's new book "While Idaho Slept."
Kohberger, as the ongoing investigation reveals, stands accused of committing crimes so heinous that his very family seems to have distanced themselves from him. But what can be discerned about his parents and their relationship with their troubled son?
Brueski probes, "I'm curious to get your thoughts on his parents... we're talking almost a year since these crimes took place. And as far as we know, there's been no record of them going to see their son." This suggests a fraught family dynamic where even the bond between parent and child seems strained, if not altogether broken. Previous incidents have further strained this relationship, such as Kohberger's theft of his sister's cell phone, leading to a confrontation with the law.
Appleman, who has dived deep into the family's history for his book, notes the complex landscape of emotions: "Bryan Kohberger's parents love this guy tremendously... and that they believe him to be very troubled." Despite his actions and accusations, it seems the underlying love remains intact. Yet, the heartbreak over the possibility of his guilt might be too much for them to bear, leading to their physical and emotional distance.
Appleman continues, shedding light on their financial constraints: "I also know they're more or less not situated financially to just kind of jet across the country whenever." But, as he rightly points out, in today's interconnected world, "all they'd have to do is throw up a go fund me and say, we want to visit our son and they'd probably get 10 grand sent their way in two days."
But beyond the dynamics of the Kohberger family, Appleman's book delves deeper into the fabric of communities scarred by violence. It isn't just a chronicle of a crime; it's a meditation on its reverberations. He remarks, "I didn't want to tell the story of a prosecution. I wanted to tell the story of how communities repair themselves after the visitation of violence."
His intention is clear – not merely to regale readers with a gripping tale but to offer a more profound reflection on trauma, loss, and healing. Appleman's hope is that his readers, upon turning the last page, are inspired to "live better... appreciate the loved ones around you more actively."
In an era where true crime dominates our cultural conversations, the conversation on Hidden Killers Podcast and Appleman's book, "While Idaho Slept," invites us to look beyond the horror. To seek understanding, context, and, most crucially, healing. After all, when faced with the shadows, what lengths will a family go to protect its own? And can the fabric of a community, once torn, ever truly be mended?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at
https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com