Who Is Bryan Kohberger and What Happened in the Idaho Murders? An Overview

The gag order in the Idaho University case has now been lifted following Bryan Kohberger’s sentencing, unveiling more details about the murders.

On November 13, 2022, Kohberger entered the residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where he fatally stabbed college students Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. He was apprehended over a month later and initially entered a plea of not guilty.

In July 2025, just a month before his trial was scheduled to begin, Kohberger changed his plea to guilty on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary, as part of a deal that removed the death penalty from consideration. He was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole later that same month.

Ada County District Court Judge Steven Hippler lifted the gag order during Kohberger’s sentencing, allowing several key individuals involved in the investigation to speak publicly. However, some documents related to the case remain sealed. The Moscow Police Department has released investigatory records pertinent to the case.

Keep scrolling for all the essential information:

Who Is Bryan Kohberger?

Before his conviction, Kohberger was pursuing a PhD at Washington State University in Pullman. He was seen outside the King Road house 23 times before the tragic events unfolded.

What Did Bryan Kohberger Do?

Kohberger utilized a Ka-Bar knife with “considerable force” during the murders of the four college students, as indicated by documents. Although the murder weapon has never been found, a knife sheath discovered at 1122 King Road played a crucial role in leading to Kohberger’s arrest.

During his initial police interview in December 2022, Kohberger requested legal representation and has since remained silent about his motive for the crimes. When asked if he had any words for the victims’ families during his sentencing hearing in July 2025, Kohberger replied, “I respectfully decline.”

What Happened to Xana Kernodle?

Documents released by the Moscow Police Department indicate that there were signs of a “violent struggle” between Kernodle and Kohberger, evidenced by “defensive knife wounds” on her hands. Her body was found with over 50 stab wounds in her bedroom.

What Happened to Ethan Chapin?

Chapin was discovered deceased in Kernodle’s bed, with reports noting that he had “stab wounds” and was “covered in blood.”

What Happened to Maddie Mogen?

According to Moscow Police Department documents, both Mogen and Goncalves were found dead in the same bed, with Mogen sustaining injuries to her arms, hands, and face.

What Happened to Kaylee Goncalves?

The documents state that Goncalves was “unrecognizable” due to the extensive “damage” to her face, as reported by multiple officers on the scene. She had suffered over 20 stab wounds.

Were There Any Surviving Roommates?

Yes, both Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke survived the attack. New documents reveal that Mortensen misidentified two of her deceased roommates due to the severity of their injuries. Mortensen reported seeing Kohberger walk through the house but was “intoxicated and didn’t want to comprehend what was occurring.” Transcripts from her police interview indicate that Mortensen heard a voice she believed to be a man’s saying, “You’re gonna be fine. I’m gonna help you.”

Mortensen publicly addressed the situation for the first time during Kohberger’s sentencing hearing in July 2025.

“What transpired that night altered everything,” she remarked. “Because of him, four beautiful, genuine, compassionate individuals were taken from this world for no reason.”

Mortensen further stated, “Living is my tribute to them. Speaking today is a means for me to seek justice for them, and I will never allow him to take that away from me. He may have taken much from me, but he will never claim my voice.”

Funke also penned a letter for the hearing, which was read aloud in court by a friend.

How Long Will Bryan Kohberger Be in Prison?

Kohberger is serving four life sentences without the possibility of parole.