Keith Jesperson, infamously known as the Happy Face serial killer, has extended an unusual offer to Bryan Kohberger, the perpetrator of a high-profile Idaho murder case. Jesperson, who is incarcerated in an Oregon prison, believes that Kohberger would be safer in the same facility, as it caters to inmates who need protection from other prisoners. Jesperson emphasized in a letter that Kohberger’s best hope for avoiding violence would be to transfer to this Oregon prison, which he claimed effectively manages potential threats to high-risk inmates. Jesperson is currently serving multiple life sentences for the murders of at least eight women in the 1990s, and he has gained notoriety for his habit of drawing smiley faces on letters sent to the media and law enforcement.
Jesperson’s offer comes as Kohberger awaits a detailed assessment of his housing situation in Idaho after avoiding the death penalty by accepting a plea deal that sentences him to life imprisonment without parole for the murders of four college students. Observers believe that Kohberger’s lack of “street smarts” and “prison smarts” could render him vulnerable in the prison environment. This observation has been echoed by Keith Rovere, a former prison minister and podcaster, who stressed Kohberger’s social awkwardness and behavioral traits, which may hinder his integration into the prison community. As Kohberger prepares to serve his time, he will spend an initial period in isolation for assessment, following which authorities will determine his long-term housing arrangements.
Jesperson’s request for Kohberger to be transferred to Oregon is further supported by regional agreements between several western states allowing for the cross-border housing of inmates, primarily for safety reasons. However, Idaho is not part of this agreement, and as of now, no discussions about transferring Kohberger have been publicly indicated by Idaho authorities. The Idaho Department of Correction maintains that staff and inmate safety will guide placement decisions, but Jesperson argues that Kohberger’s unique circumstances warrant immediate consideration for his transition to a less volatile prison environment.
In court proceedings leading up to his conviction, Kohberger was diagnosed with autism, and his defense team has discussed various personality traits that may impact his life in prison. These traits include difficulties with eye contact, social interaction, and a noticeable rigidity during court appearances. Observers have pointed out that Kohberger’s high intelligence may be overshadowed by cognitive challenges that make him susceptible to becoming a target within the prison population. Jesperson has warned that inmates convicted of crimes against women and children often face violence from other inmates who view them as vulnerable.
Kohberger’s case has drawn national attention due to the brutality of the murders he committed, where he attacked four college students, three of whom were asleep during the assault. This cowardice, coupled with his apparent lack of remorse, contributes to concerns about his safety in prison. Jesperson highlighted that, like infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Kohberger could also find himself in protective custody, a measure previously employed to shield Dahmer from violent retribution before his murder at the hands of another inmate.
As authorities prepare to classify and determine the right housing for Kohberger, the evaluation process is critical in ensuring appropriate security measures are implemented. This procedure entails assessing Kohberger’s needs and behavior over the span of 7 to 14 days. His case stands out not only for the heinous nature of the crimes but also due to Kohberger’s previous lack of connections to the victims, exacerbating the shock surrounding his actions. There remains a palpable concern about how Kohberger’s perceived vulnerabilities and social awkwardness will translate into his life behind bars, particularly in a prison environment that often harbors skepticism towards individuals accused of such brutal acts against defenseless victims.
