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Bryan Kohberger, the convicted murderer of four University of Idaho students, has found himself in the spotlight again. This time, however, the 30-year-old, former criminology Ph.D. student is making headlines behind bars, having filed a series of handwritten grievances alleging that other inmates in Idaho’s Maximum Security Institution are harassing him daily.

Court documents reviewed by People confirm Kohberger had formally asked prison officials to transfer him from one prison wing known as J Block to B Block. In his letter, the inmate referenced enduring “minute-by-minute” verbal abuse, and claims he has received graphic threats of sexual assault from other prisoners.

Kohberger said the harassment started just two days after he arrived at J Block. On February 16, less than one week later, he filed another complaint after one inmate allegedly told him, “I’ll b— f— you,” and another said, “The only a– we’ll be eating is Kohberger’s.” Prison guards confirmed hearing vulgar language directed at Kohberger but were unable to recall specifics.

“As I continue the SPI phase, I wish to discuss if I may be transferred to another ad-seg setting,” he continued in the note, using prison slang for “administrative segregation,” or protective housing, meant to ensure an inmate’s safety. “Tier 2 of J Block is an environment that I wish to transfer from if possible. I request transfer to B Block immediately. I wish to speak with you soon.”

Kohberger also claimed in the letter that he had not participated in flooding or “striking” — disciplinary tactics commonly used by inmates to protest their treatment. Flooding generally involves clogging sinks and toilets, creating water damage, and “striking” can include a refusal to work, violence or other, non-specific actions. State prison officials have not confirmed that they will transfer Kohberger, and records indicate he is still in J Block as of Wednesday.

A Target in Prison

It is not the first time Kohberger has faced hostility from other inmates. According to records of his prior jail confinement, other prisoners regularly mocked him, sometimes as he was talking to his mother over video calls. At least one inmate has publicly called him a “f—ing weirdo,” and later said he would have attacked Kohberger had he not feared the potential repercussions.

His physical presentation, which in court documents was described by a witness as a “piercing stare” and apparent lack of awareness of how he comes across to others, has only made him a bigger target. The infamy of his crime, experts note, means Kohberger was likely bound to face animosity. “High-profile offenders nearly always have a target on their back,” a prison consultant said. “In Kohberger’s case, the unique aspects of his personality make him stand out even more.”

His life in confinement since his August conviction and sentencing has also changed him. Sources say he has lost a considerable amount of weight during his two and a half years behind bars. In Idaho’s most secure facility, where he’s housed with death row inmate Chad Daybell, Kohberger is surrounded by the state’s most hardened criminals.

The threats against Kohberger’s life have led to comparisons to other well-known prisoners, like Jeffrey Dahmer, who spent years in prison enduring harassment until he was killed in 1994. Some experts fear that Kohberger is on a similar path if the threats are not addressed.

For now, Kohberger remains in J Block where he will likely spend the rest of his life sentence without the possibility of parole. Idaho prison officials have refused to comment on his security status, citing safety protocols. But in his notes, Kohberger has detailed a daily existence that seems to not only include the burden of his crime, but that also leaves him living under threat from those around him.

It is unclear if he will be granted a transfer from J Block to B Block. What is certain, however, is that Kohberger’s notoriety and off-putting reputation has preceded him into prison and will likely ensure he remains a target for as long as he is behind bars.