Bryan Kohberger Moved to Solitary Confinement in Idaho Prison

Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the 2022 murders of four students from the University of Idaho, has been transferred to solitary confinement, according to a report by CNN affiliate KTVB. The Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) confirmed that Kohberger is now housed in long-term restrictive housing at J Block within the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, the state’s only maximum-security prison, located approximately nine miles south of Boise.

The transfer came more than a week after Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He chose not to speak during his sentencing hearing in late July. The families of the victims have expressed that they remain uncertain about his motives for the crimes.

Conditions in Solitary Confinement

J Block is designed to accommodate up to 128 individuals, including those in protective custody and on death row. Inmates in long-term restrictive housing, such as Kohberger, are kept in single-person cells and are transported in restraints. They are allowed one hour of outdoor recreation daily and can shower every other day, as reported by IDOC.

The Idaho Maximum Security Institution has faced scrutiny over its treatment of inmates in solitary confinement. In a notable incident last year, 90 inmates organized a six-day hunger strike to protest delays in medical care, prolonged isolation, and the conditions of the “cages” used for recreational time. Reports from the Idaho Statesman illustrated these cages as large, chain-link metal boxes that were often unsanitary, with complaints about the facility’s overall cleanliness and maintenance.

In response to these allegations, the IDOC stated that the recreation enclosures are regularly cleaned and that inmates can request cleaning of their cell ventilation systems. Following the hunger strike, the department announced efforts to enhance vocational, educational, and recreational opportunities for inmates.

Changes to Solitary Confinement Policies

The strict policies surrounding solitary confinement at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution have raised concerns among advocates for inmates’ rights. Former IDOC director Kevin Kempf noted that inmates in solitary could be confined for up to 23 hours a day with minimal human interaction, receiving meals in their cells and permitted showers only three times a week. To address these issues, the department has introduced a step-down program aimed at gradually transitioning inmates from solitary confinement to environments that allow for increased social interaction.

In a statement to CNN, the IDOC clarified that long-term restrictive housing is not intended as a disciplinary measure but rather as a housing assignment designed to manage specific behaviors. The department emphasized its commitment to safety for all individuals within its facilities.

The ongoing situation surrounding Kohberger and the conditions of confinement at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution highlight significant issues within the correctional system and raise questions about inmate treatment in high-security environments.