Idaho College Student Murders 

Ella Reber, staff reporter

On November 13, 2022, in Moscow, Idaho, college students Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen died from multiple stab wounds in their residence outside the University of Idaho campus. The time of the murders is unknown, though forensic scientists believe they occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 4:25 a.m. local time on the second and third floors. However, the layout of the residence prevented the two roommates on the first floor from hearing anything. On the day of the stabbings, college students around the area say they noticed a white Hyundai Elantra leaving the crime scene. An account from a surviving roommate, identified as D.M. reveals that she heard a voice say, “It is okay, I am going to help you.” A written statement, used for evidence in court stated, “The male walked towards the back sliding glass door. D.M. locked herself in her room after seeing the male.” On December 15, 2022, in Indiana, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department pulled over Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old male and criminology student. Kohberger drove a white Hyundai Elantra with his father in the passenger seat. The stop occurred along I-70 with video footage showing that the officer pulled over Kohberger for tailgating a van. Officials collected DNA from trash at the Kohberger family residence in Pennsylvania. According to officials, the DNA matched with DNA found on a leather knife sheath located on one of the victim’s beds. On December 30, 2022, authorities arrested Kohberger with four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge. A scheduled preliminary hearing will take place for Kohberger on June 26, 2023.