As a seasoned investigator with decades of experience under my belt, I find myself deeply engrossed in the Idaho college murder case. Having witnessed countless investigations unfold and justice being served, I must admit that this case has left me both intrigued and saddened.
On November 13, 2022, when the police arrived at a house in Moscow, Idaho, due to a report about an unresponsive roommate, they stumbled upon a chilling spectacle reminiscent of a horrifying film scene.
Two University of Idaho students were brutally murdered while sleeping on the second floor, and two more suffered the same tragic fate on the floor above them.
The individuals who passed away were quickly recognized as Kaylee Goncalves, aged 21; Madison Mogen, also 21; Xana Kernodle, just 20; and Xana’s boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, also 20. The three young women resided there, while Ethan had been staying overnight.
The autopsy reports confirmed that all four deaths were due to homicide resulting from numerous stabbing injuries. The authorities stated that certain victims displayed signs of defensive wounds, suggesting they put up a struggle in an attempt to save themselves.
Besides Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, two other housemates, remained unscathed. Bethany mentioned to the police that she was dozing off on the lower floor of the residence and didn’t catch any sounds of the incidents. On the other hand, Dylan, who was residing on the upper level, informed the authorities that around 4 a.m., she thought Kaylee was playing with her pet upstairs and later heard something that seemed like, “There seems to be someone here.
Later on, she poked her head out of her bedroom and informed the police that she believed she had heard sobs coming from Xana’s room, accompanied by a male voice saying, “Don’t worry, I’m here to assist you.” On her third look into the hallway, Dylan stated that she had observed a man dressed in black, whose mouth and nose were concealed by a mask, who passed directly by her.
Bryan Kohberger, a Ph.D. student at Washington State University when he was arrested on December 30, 2022, is currently awaiting trial. Latah County District Judge John Cooke pleaded not guilty on his behalf to charges including four counts of murder and burglary in connection with the deaths of four students.
On September 9th, the judge decided that the murder trial for Kohberger, initially scheduled for June 2025, should be relocated from the county where the crimes occurred. He based this decision on potential bias in a more local jury pool due to “presumed prejudice”. Additionally, he expressed concerns about security and the potential scarcity of resources, including personnel and space, required to manage a trial of such magnitude and duration effectively. This would allow all parties involved to concentrate on the case without being distracted by peripheral issues.
Eventually, it is undetermined as to when, but the Idaho Supreme Court will eventually choose a different location and appoint a new judge.
The murders undeniably left a profound impact on the victims’ loved ones and neighbors, created a sense of unease within the local area, and predictably captivated online detectives across the globe.
By the end of November 2022, as reported by NBC News, TikTok videos labeled #idahomurders amassed over 94.2 million views. Additionally, many others were discussing, analyzing, and detective-like speculating on Facebook and Reddit.
In a court filing, lawyers for the 29-year-old Kohberger argued that the media coverage of his case is persistent, inflammatory, emotionally charged, and frequently inaccurate, unreliable, or lacking credible sources. (paraphrased)
Kaylee’s family strongly criticized the decision to transfer the trial, stating in their statement, “If the judge understood that Latah County wasn’t equipped to manage this trial due to safety concerns, insufficient court staff, logistics issues, and limited space, why did we spend over a year in a county where it was clear the trial wouldn’t be handled? The problems he cited didn’t miraculously become an issue at the last minute.
Who were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle?
Kaylee was expected to graduate ahead of schedule in December and had secured a job at a marketing firm prior to that, as per her friend Jordyn Quesnell’s account to the New York Times. They had made plans to relocate to Austin, Texas together around June, sharing their desire for an exciting new journey, according to her statement.
Madison and Kaylee have been friends since sixth grade, with their bond being so strong that they were both bridesmaids at Alivea Goncalves’ wedding. As Goncalves shared with the NBC affiliate KHQ, these two girls shared many milestones together, such as their first boyfriends, graduating high school together, and starting college together. They even lived together, purchased a house and cars together. Tragically, their friendship ended in a way that they also passed away together.
Over time, a mix of apprehension and irritation grew as the investigation persisted without progress, with many updates being about potential suspects being eliminated or dead ends in the search for clues.
Ben Mogen expressed to Spokane’s Spokesman-Review that he had expected numerous questions to be answered, but as Christmas approached, it became apparent that we are still awaiting those answers.
Nonetheless, Ben revealed that investigators had been reaching out to him and some of his relatives daily, and he remained hopeful that the truth would eventually be unveiled.
Xana’s spirit was ever-cheerful, always managing to brighten up any space, as her sister Jazzmin Kernodle shared with the Associated Press via text. “She filled me with an immense sense of pride for being her big sister, and I yearn for more moments together. She had a wealth of life left to experience.
It seems that Ethan, as a first-year student, and Xana, being a junior, have allegedly been in a relationship since the spring. On October 29th, she expressed her happiness on Instagram by wishing him a happy birthday and posting a picture of them together with the caption, “Life is infinitely sweeter with you around, I love you!
At the Nov. 30 campus event, Ethan’s mother, Stacy Chapin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude stating, “We feel incredibly fortunate to have had so much time with him.” Addressing the gathered audience, she emphasized, “Time is a valuable commodity, something that once spent, cannot be regained.
On November 12th, Kaylee shared a collection of photos featuring her roommates and Ethan, all snapped outside their home, captioned: “Feeling incredibly fortunate to spend every day with such wonderful people.
During a church vigil in December, for the first time since the tragic events, Dylan, one of her roommates, penned a letter expressing that their lives were deeply intertwined after coming to know these four remarkable individuals. These people, who she referred to as “my people,” had a profound impact on her life by transforming it in numerous ways and bringing immense joy into her existence.
Bethany shared in a letter also read at the service that Madison used to say “‘everything happens for a reason.’ But,” she added, “I’m having a really hard time trying to understand the reason for this.”
How big was the investigation into the Idaho college murders in 2022?
Kristi Goncalves, Kaylee’s mother, expressed to the local NBC station KHQ on November 19th, “This town is small and it’s a college town, and I sense they knew this person.” She clarified, “We don’t actually know that for certain, but I feel it deep within me. I can’t explain why.
Additionally, Kristi made an earnest appeal to the individual responsible for taking her daughter and friends’ lives: “Surrender yourself. Cease these actions. Allow us to grieve our children. It’s unbearable with this person at large. Please, bring it to an end. The burden of guilt must be immense. Hide no more.
At a campus vigil held on November 30th, Kaylee’s father, Steven Goncalves, expressed his determination, stating, “We will find justice. We will work diligently to understand what happened. This community rightfully deserves such clarity.
In collaboration with the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and the FBI, the Moscow Police Department is overseeing an ongoing investigation. Governor Brad Little has allocated $1 million from state emergency funds to support this investigation. By the following May, local police costs had accumulated to approximately $7.2 million.
Over time, a mix of apprehension and irritation grew as the search for a break in the investigation persisted, with much of the information shared during this period centering around individuals who were no longer considered suspects or leads that ultimately led nowhere.
According to Ben Mogen, he had expected several questions to be resolved by now, but instead, we are still in a state of anticipation.
However, Ben disclosed that investigators have been regularly contacting him or his relatives, and he remains optimistic that the truth will be revealed soon.
He stated, “Right from the start, it’s become clear that such actions are no longer easily brushed aside. With advancements in technology like DNA testing and widespread video surveillance, there’s hardly a place to hide. Such incidents are less likely to remain unresolved or go unpunished.
On December 29th, the police department shared that they had received approximately 19,650 tips via phone calls, emails, and digital media submissions. Furthermore, they have conducted over 300 interviews. They encouraged the public to trust only their official updates for accurate information, while also emphasizing that any additional information provided would be appreciated.
The next day, a suspect was in custody.
Who is defendant Bryan Kohberger?
On the morning of December 30th, Brian Kohberger was apprehended in northeastern Pennsylvania, under suspicion for the murders of Kaylee, Madison, Xana, and Ethan.
The individual in question was detained at the Monroe County Correctional Facility, serving time before being transported to Idaho for prosecution. There, as stated by Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, he will be charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.
For over two months now, investigators have been meticulously following every clue in their quest for justice,” said Moscow Police Chief James Fry in a statement. “This intricate case required considerable effort to create a coherent understanding of the events, and I’m grateful for the commitment demonstrated by the Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police detectives, Crime Lab technicians and scientists, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The relentless dedication, countless hours, and determination were instrumental in making an arrest.
Authorities took Kohberger into custody at a residence in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, based on an extradition warrant stemming from charges filed in Moscow, as reported by the police.
Previously in the same month, it was confirmed that the subject was wrapping up his initial semester studying for a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, as stated by the institution itself.
At a point, Washington State University acknowledged their campus police had collaborated with Idaho law enforcement in carrying out search warrants at Kohberger’s dormitory and workplace in Pullman, approximately 10 miles from Moscow. They also stated they would maintain close coordination with local, state, and federal authorities as the investigation proceeded further.
Jason LaBar, Monroe County’s public defender, expressed in a statement to NBC News that it’s crucial to presume his client innocent until proven otherwise, rather than subjecting him to a trial by the public opinion. He further stated that Kohberger is eager to clear his name from these accusations and is looking forward to swiftly resolving this matter.
LaBar said Kohberger planned to waive his extradition hearing to speed up his return to Idaho.
In simpler terms, LaBar conveyed to the Washington Post that he is prepared to forgo something because he anticipates being declared not guilty. Although he didn’t explicitly say he’s innocent, his desire for exoneration implies he believes in his innocence.
Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by this tragedy. Every day, we send our prayers to them. As a family, we’ll allow the legal proceedings to take their course while continuing to offer our love and support to our son and brother.
In our efforts to uncover the truth, we’ve worked closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure a fair investigation and uphold his presumption of innocence. Instead of jumping to conclusions based on unknown details, we prefer to let the legal process play out. We value privacy in this situation so that all parties, including our family and those who have experienced loss, can proceed through the legal system with dignity.
Elizabeth Chilton, the chancellor of the WSU Pullman campus and WSU provost, expressed in a statement that we will deeply mourn the absence of these young individuals within the Moscow-Pullman community. She also hopes that today’s announcement serves as a step towards recovery and healing.
Previously, Kohberger completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, earning a master’s degree in Criminal Justice in June 2022.
In response to the heartbreaking news, a representative of the DeSales community, which follows Catholic and Salesian beliefs, expressed profound sadness. They shared their sympathy and prayers with the bereaved families, acknowledging the challenging period they are going through.
What were the four Idaho murder victims doing on the last night of their lives?
On November 12, 2022, Saturday night, Kaylee and Madison spent their time at Corner Club, a downtown bar, from around 10 p.m. until approximately 1:30 a.m. As per the police’s review of a Twitch feed, they took a break for some food at Grub Truck, which was stationed near the bar. Later on, they were given a ride home to 1122 King Road by an individual referred to as a “private party,” with their arrival recorded at 1:56 a.m.
According to investigators, prior to their return to the King Road residence, which is located south of campus, Ethan and Xana were together at the Sigma Chi fraternity house where Ethan was a member. This occurred around 1:45 a.m.
On that fateful night, just like the detectives suggested, I too found myself venturing out, separately, from my beloved Bethany and Dylan. However, come 1 a.m., we had both returned to our shared abode, as if drawn back by some unseen force, eager to share the secrets of the night with each other.
At exactly 11:58 a.m. on November 13th, a 9-1-1 call was placed using one of the surviving roommates’ mobile phones, informing authorities that an individual on the second floor was unconscious. Upon their arrival, officers found four deceased bodies.
Meanwhile, Kristi Goncalves’ text to daughter Kaylee that Sunday morning had gone unanswered.
Later on, Kristi shared with KHQ that they had a lengthy conversation. She was certain that Kaylee enjoyed Friday evening… [Kaylee] phoned me approximately 2:30 in the afternoon on Saturday. By cross-referencing this call time with the timestamp of her last text to Kaylee, she deduced that this was when the police were surrounding [her house].
What were police saying early on in the Idaho college murders investigation?
According to a statement released on November 15th, it appears that the deaths of Kaylee, Madison, Xana, and Ethan were due to a solitary, deliberate assault using a sharp instrument like a knife. The current situation does not pose an immediate danger to the wider community.
But as the investigation got underway, there was no such thing as a safe assumption.
At a November 16 press conference, Moscow’s Police Chief Fry acknowledged that both he and others have questions, and emphasized that at the moment, they don’t have anyone identified as a suspect. He made it clear that this person of interest remains at large, and for now, we can’t assure there’s no risk to our community.
Col. Kedrick Willis of Idaho State Police stated that they are “thoroughly examining all possibilities. Every hint we receive, every lead we discover – we will speak with anyone about it. There is no individual we won’t question or interview.” It was also mentioned that there were 25 investigators dedicated to this case.
Coroner Cathy Mabbutt of Latah County described the killings as extremely gruesome, noting that she had never encountered anything similar during her 16-year tenure. Notably, Moscow had not documented a homicide for over seven years prior to this incident.
After examining the autopsy reports, the police stated that they found no indications of sexual misconduct towards any of the deceased individuals. Moreover, Mabbutt expressed her belief that drug abuse was unlikely to have been a factor in this case.
Did Idaho murder victim Kaylee Goncalves have a stalker?
Officials were exploring if someone might be harassing Kaylee, given the remarks she apparently shared with her friends and relatives.
According to Moscow Police, they focused their investigation on an occurrence at a nearby establishment around mid-October. In this event, a man appeared to be watching Kaylee closely, then trailed her as she exited and walked towards her vehicle. However, he didn’t interact or approach her physically.
Following conversations with the man and his companion, the authorities concluded that the incident in question was “an isolated occurrence, not indicative of a persistent pattern of stalking.” Additionally, they found no evidence linking this event to the recent murders. The individuals were reportedly out trying to socialize with women, according to the police.
How did police combat misinformation about the Idaho college killings?
Right from the start, the authorities faced immense pressure not only to tackle the case but also to consistently offer real-time information about it.
The day after the grim discovery, I, as an ardent fan, found myself glued to every word from Moscow Mayor Art Bettge. He hinted at a myriad of possibilities, such as a botched burglary or a heated moment escalating into something tragic, yet emphasized the importance of exercising patience while the investigators delve deep into the intricacies of the case, ensuring a thorough and methodical inquiry.
On November 15th, Moscow Police indicated that they had disclosed all available details without jeopardizing their current investigation. However, this did little to alleviate the concerns of the affected families.
Jim Chapin, Ethan’s father, expressed concern in a statement to NBC News, stating that there is too little information being shared by the University of Idaho and local police. This lack of transparency has led to misinformation spreading through the media and social networks. He emphasized that this silence only intensifies the pain his family feels after their son’s murder. For Ethan, his three friends who were also killed in Moscow, Idaho, and all of the affected families, Jim urges officials to reveal the truth, disclose any known information, find the perpetrator, and ensure the safety of the wider community.
In simpler terms, Kaylee’s sister Alivea told KHQ, “Something can seem independent until it isn’t. Until we have someone under arrest, it’s impossible to state confidently that it’s a solitary case.
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson informed the Associated Press on November 15 that, while it is impossible for the police to guarantee no risk exists, their observations suggest that the individual in question does not pose a threat of randomly attacking people.
Regarding possible suspects, he stated, “I don’t believe they are ruling out the possibility that it might be a single individual or multiple parties. At this moment, however, they are unsure of the person or persons responsible.
As your trusted lifestyle advisor, I continually monitor and clarify unverified rumors related to incidents or events that have sparked speculation within our community. My aim is to dispel any inaccurate information and ensure a clear understanding of the facts.
On September 12, 2022, an incident took place between a cyclist brandishing a knife and a group of pedestrians on a bike path at the University of Idaho campus. However, authorities have confirmed that this confrontation had no connection, as the cyclist later surrendered himself to the police and misdemeanor charges were filed against him, being sent to the Moscow City Attorney’s Office for further action.
Additionally, it was noted that a red Mustang, previously handled by police, did not pertain to the ongoing investigation. On November 29, five vehicles parked outside the house were towed to a secure storage facility to allow investigators uninterrupted access for further evidence processing. Contrary to online speculation, the victims were not bound or gagged.
Among those initially investigated by police were individuals who did not partake in the murders: the surviving roommates of the victims, a tenant whose name was on the lease for Kings Road house but had vacated prior to the school year, individuals caught on camera interacting with Kaylee and Madison at the Grub Truck, the person who drove them home, and a young man whom Kaylee and Madison frequently called during the early hours of November 13.
Kaylee’s former boyfriend, Jack DuCoeur, was the one receiving the unanswered calls, as reported by Alivea Goncalves. She informed the New York Times that she and her family fully support Jack and believe him to be completely innocent in this matter.
On November 23rd, Moscow’s police department declared that there was no longer any reason to suspect the individual named Kaylee or Madison, as their detectives now believe the person they had tried to reach multiple times on November 13th is not linked to the crime. They shared this information via a Facebook post.
On December 5th, Moscow Police emphasized that unsubstantiated claims and careless online discussions were not aiding their ongoing investigation.
The authorities have shared comments about various aspects of this case, including the victim’s injuries, cause of death, gathering and analyzing evidence, and investigation methods. However, due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we are not disclosing any further details to either the family or the public at this time. We understand that your frustration grows as more questions arise, and speculation can spread in the absence of concrete information.
Nevertheless, it’s important to emphasize that we strongly feel that speculation and untested data could be harmful to the victims, their loved ones, and our community. The Moscow Police Department is dedicated to sharing information when feasible, but we won’t do so at the cost of jeopardizing the investigation and legal proceedings.
At the same time, they encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Law enforcement stated that they suspect someone possesses details that could provide a better understanding of the events that transpired that night, as they piece together their investigation. It’s crucial to emphasize our focus remains on solving this case, not scrutinizing any activities. Any information you have, regardless of its perceived importance, might just be the missing piece needed to unravel these murders.
Additionally, it’s important to note that threatening or bothering anyone who might be connected to this case, either in person or via the internet, could lead to legal consequences.
What happened with the white Hyundai police were looking for during the Idaho murder investigation?
On December 8th, Moscow Police revealed they received numerous leads when asking for details about a 2011-2013 white Hyundai Elantra with an unidentified license plate, which was spotted near the victims’ home in the early hours of November 13th. All related calls were forwarded to the FBI. In a later video update, police mentioned they had over 22,000 registered Elantras to go through.
In my capacity as a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share an interesting piece of information I came across recently. On December 20th, authorities in Eugene, Oregon notified their counterparts in Moscow about a suspicious vehicle – a 2013 Elantra with front-end damage and no license plate. However, upon further investigation, they discovered that this vehicle and its owner were completely unrelated to the ongoing homicide case they were working on.
The search for the car that was parked near the Kings Road house was ongoing, police said Dec. 29.
The Moscow Police Department expresses gratitude to our community for their ongoing cooperation, acceptance of the constraints on the information we can disclose, and understanding as we navigate through this challenging period. These sentiments were expressed in a statement they issued on the very same day, following regular updates—whether fresh or repetitions—on their website almost every day since the murders occurred.
Then came the news Dec. 30, six weeks after the killings, of Kohberger’s arrest.
Cara Northington shared with NBC News that this situation has been nothing short of a dreadful ordeal for her and Xana. However, she expressed relief as if a heavy burden has been taken away from her shoulders.
She admitted she’d never come across the name Kohberger before. She added, “Much of the sorrow stemmed from not recognizing who was behind those terrible acts, knowing they remained at large. Indeed, discovering his identity has significantly eased some of the burden of grief we were carrying.
Shannon Gray, a legal representative for Kaylee’s family, shared with NBC News that the family feels relieved as somebody has been taken into custody. Now, they are ready to navigate the criminal justice process.
According to law enforcement sources, an Hyundai Elantra was taken from the location of the apprehension. However, during a press conference, Moscow Police Chief Fry only confirmed that they had discovered an Elantra, without specifying whether it was the same one they had been searching for earlier.
These tragic deaths have deeply affected our neighborhood, and no apprehension can restore these lost young lives,” Fry stated. “Yet, we are confident that justice will be sought during the legal proceedings.
On Thursday, police stated that the King Road house continued as an active crime scene while they initiated the process of clearing away potentially hazardous materials or harmful substances for evidence collection. However, Fry mentioned after Kohberger’s arrest that the cleanup, or remediation as he called it, was put on hold due to a court order.
In response to concerns raised by critics who felt police weren’t transparent enough with their findings, Fry assured reporters he fully supported the way the investigation was managed. He emphasized that they had kept crucial information for this case highly restricted to ensure that all actions taken would stand up well during the trial.
He would not comment on any possible motive for the slayings or whether the suspect and victims knew each other, noting that their investigation was still ongoing and he expected those details would come out at a later date.
Thompson stated, “The exploration we’re engaged in is definitely not concluded. Instead, it signifies a fresh start. We are still reliant on the public’s assistance to unravel completely all that there is to learn, not just about the person involved, but also about what transpired and the reasons behind it.
Where does the Idaho college murder case stand now?
Kohberger, currently detained without bail, and his legal team have been frequently appearing in court since his apprehension. During a court hearing in February 2024, prosecutors shared with Judge John that the defendant intends to summon over 400 witnesses to testify on his behalf during trial.
The deputy prosecutor expressed concern to the judge on February 28th that the defense might summon up to 400 witnesses during the innocence phase, as we may not have fully disclosed an alibi. This could cause significant worry for the state.
In a court document submitted in August 2023, Kohberger’s legal team mentioned that their client frequently takes solo nighttime drives for extended periods. They specified that this was also the case on the nights of November 12 and 13, 2022.
In an April 2024 filing, they elaborated on Mr. Kohberger’s supposed alibi, stating that “on the fateful night of November 13, 2022, I was out for a drive in the wee hours, just as I frequently did to enjoy hiking, running, and gazing at the moon and stars. My journey took me south of Pullman, Washington, west of Moscow, Idaho, including Wawawai Park.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: According to the court filing, cell tower data indicates that my phone was in the rural areas late at night or early morning on multiple instances around November 13, 2022. A cell location specialist will present evidence showing that my mobile device was located south of Pullman, Washington and west of Moscow, Idaho on that date. Moreover, it will be demonstrated that my phone did not travel eastward on the Moscow-Pullman Highway during the early hours of November 13th, which means it wasn’t the vehicle caught on video along the Moscow-Pullman highway near Floyd’s Cannabis shop.
At the upcoming trial, prosecutors intend to demand capital punishment. On November 7th, a court hearing will take place where the defense argues that imposing the death penalty would infringe upon the U.S. Constitution.
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2024-09-11 15:22