Fry said the stress that accompanied the Kohberger case played “somewhat of a role” in his decision to retire.
“We moved through that whole process even though it was stressful; we got the job done and we did it right,” Fry said of the homicides investigation. “So, no matter how people think of me, the ultimate thing is we held the integrity of the case at the highest level just like we still are today until it’s completed.”
Moscow Mayor Art Bettge said the harsh criticism Fry and his department received nationally weighed on Fry.
“The chief had to take a lot of that stress on himself because he had to keep the rest of the force focused and working on the case and solving the case,” Bettge said.
The narrative changed drastically when Kohberger was arrested, he said.
“Suddenly, Moscow police and Chief Fry are looking like geniuses,” Bettge said. “That had to be gratifying, but the stress leading up to it had to be blood-pressure raising and just horrific to endure.”
Bettge said Fry handled the chaos as professionally as anyone could have.
“I would say he handled that very professional in the face of some very negative headwinds that went on, and that’s the acme of a professional, is your ability to do your job regardless of what’s been thrown at you by outside entities and people who don’t know the full story,” Bettge said.
Moscow police chief, who oversaw University of Idaho killings case, to retire and run for sheriff
Feb. 21, 2024
abcnews.go.com
