Idaho murders: Suspect was identified through DNA using genealogy databases, police say

The suspect accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November was identified through DNA using public genealogy databases.

Police identified Bryan Christopher Kohberger as the suspect accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in November through DNA using public genealogy databases, law enforcement sources told ABC News.

Local police and the FBI tracked him to Pennsylvania through his vehicle. The FBI surveyed the house in the Pocono Mountains for four days prior to the arrest.

The 28-year-old was arrested Friday morning for the murders of roommates Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; and Xana Kernodle, 20 as well as Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.

MORE: Idaho murders: 28-year-old PhD grad student arrested in Pennsylvania

Kohberger is a graduate student at Washington State University, located less than 10 miles away from the University of Idaho, Moscow Police Chief James Fry said at a Friday news conference.

The murder weapon has not been recovered, the chief said.

PHOTO: This photo provided by Monroe County (Pa.) Correctional Facility shows Bryan Kohberger.
This photo provided by Monroe County (Pa.) Correctional Facility shows Bryan Kohberger. Arrest paperwork filed by Pennsylvania State Police in Monroe County Court, on Dec. 30, 2022, said Kohberger, 28, was being held for extradition in a criminal homicide investigation in the killings of four University of Idaho students, based on an active arrest warrant for first degree murder issued by the Moscow Police Department and Latah County Prosecutor's Office.
Monroe County (Pa.) Correctional Facility via AP

Washington State University identifies Kohberger as a Ph.D. student in its department of criminal justice and criminology. He completed his first semester in its criminal justice program earlier this month, the university said.

Within an hour of Kohberger being identified as the suspect, more than 400 calls came in to the Moscow Police Department's tip line, Fry said.

Kohberger is set to appear in Monroe County Court to face his charges, which include four counts of first-degree murder and burglary.

It is also the first step in his extradition to Idaho, where he will have another appearance.

MORE: No other arrests likely in Idaho murders, chief says: 'We believe we have our guy'

Monroe County Chief Public Defender Jason LaBar, who is representing the suspect, previously said Kohberger "intends to waive his extradition hearing to expedite his transport to Idaho" and that he "is eager to be exonerated of these charges and looks forward to resolving these matters as promptly as possible."

Police have said they cannot reveal any information, including a motive or further details about how they tracked down Kohberger, until he is back in Idaho.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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