Idaho Murders: Investigator Details ‘Intense Struggle’ at Crime Scene

New Reports Detail Brutality and Disturbing Behaviour

Newly released investigative reports shed further light on the brutal Idaho murders, detailing the horrific scene where four students were found dead and describing unsettling behavior by the suspect, Bryan Kohberger, both before and after the killings. The findings reveal graphic details about the victims’ injuries and chilling accounts from surviving roommates and an inmate who shared a cell with Kohberger.

A Scene of Violence

At the off-campus residence, investigators discovered a scene of extreme violence. Xana Kernodle was found with over 50 stab wounds and significant defensive injuries on her hands, indicating a fierce struggle. Her autopsy report confirms death by sharp-force trauma. Ethan Chapin was found near her. On the third floor, the bodies of best friends Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were discovered. Goncalves was described as unrecognizable, while Mogen also sustained defensive wounds on her hands and arms. The medical examiner confirmed that Mogen and Chapin also died from sharp-force injuries. A knife sheath, later found to contain Kohberger’s DNA, was recovered at the scene, becoming a crucial piece of evidence linking him to the crime.

Chilling Accounts from Survivors

One of the surviving roommates recounted hearing Kaylee Goncalves scream around 4 a.m. on the night of the murders, exclaiming that there was “somebody” in the house. The roommate, barricading herself in her room, then heard Goncalves descend the stairs. After a period of silence, she heard a man’s voice say, “You’re gonna be fine. I’m gonna help you.” Peeking out later, the roommate saw a slim, tall male wearing a black ski mask exiting the second-floor patio.

Pattern of Unsettling Incidents

Weeks preceding the homicides, unsettling events were reported by the housemates, though not directly connected to Kohberger at the time. Investigators noted that Kohberger’s cell phone had been detected near the Moscow home nearly two dozen times in the months leading up to the murders, often during late-night or early-morning hours. Kaylee Goncalves had reportedly mentioned feeling like she was being followed and seeing a “shadowy figure” on multiple occasions when taking her dog out. Another incident less than ten days before the murders involved roommates discovering an unlocked door with loose hinges, prompting them to search the house armed with golf clubs, finding no one.

Kohberger’s Post-Arrest Demeanor

Following his arrest on December 30, 2022, at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, Kohberger engaged with investigators. During initial interviews, he discussed baseball and the connection between the environment and spirituality. When informed he was being questioned about the Idaho quadruple homicide, Kohberger reportedly acknowledged his awareness of the case before invoking his Fifth Amendment right to an attorney.

Unusual Behavior in Custody

An inmate housed near Kohberger at the Latah County Jail described him as highly intelligent but also irritating due to his peculiar habits. The inmate reported that Kohberger washed his hands excessively, spent prolonged periods in the shower, and disrupted the cell’s sleep cycle by remaining awake most of the night and napping during the day. This behavior is particularly noteworthy given that obsessive handwashing can sometimes be linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder, a condition that affects an estimated 1.2% of adults in the U.S. annually.

A Disturbing Online Conversation

Investigators also pursued leads from a woman who matched with Kohberger on Tinder. During their conversation, which touched upon horror movies, Kohberger allegedly inquired about the most unpleasant way to die. When she suggested stabbing, he reportedly asked about Ka-Bar knives, a brand matching the type investigators believe he purchased and potentially used in the murders. The woman eventually ceased communication due to his unsettling questions. A criminology teaching assistant who shared an office with Kohberger also noted that he talked more than usual after the homicides and attempted to “inappropriately interact with female students.”