The brutal murder of four University of Idaho students last year sent shockwaves through the nation. While the arrest of suspect Bryan Kohberger has shed some light on the case, many questions remain unanswered. Why did the surviving roommates wait almost eight hours to call 911? Why were two roommates spared? And perhaps most importantly, what led to this horrific crime? We delve into the details of the case, examining the evidence and exploring possible explanations.
The Surviving Roommates: A Closer Look
The affidavit of one roommate, identified as D.M., offers chilling details about the night of the murders. D.M. reported seeing a figure “clad in black clothing and a mask” walking towards her. Frozen in fear, she watched as the killer walked past her bedroom door. This detail has raised questions about why the killer spared her life.
Renowned homicide detective Phil Waters, speaking on the “Long Crime Sidebar” podcast, suggests the killer may not have even noticed D.M. in the darkness. Focused on his mission, the intruder might have been oblivious to her presence. Waters further posits that D.M.’s decision to lock herself in her room could have been a factor in her survival.
The Delayed 911 Call: Unpacking the Timeline
The murders are believed to have occurred between 4:00 and 4:25 a.m. on November 13th. However, the 911 call wasn’t made until nearly eight hours later, at 11:58 a.m. This delay has been a source of much speculation and criticism.
Waters offers several possible explanations for the delayed response. D.M. might have been in shock, unsure of what had transpired. It’s also possible that she believed the intruder had left after seeing him walk past her room. The influence of alcohol, while not confirmed, cannot be discounted.
Image of Bryan Kohberger's court sketch
Courtroom sketch depicting Bryan Kohberger during a court appearance.
Initially, the contents of the 911 call were withheld from the public. Moscow Police Chief James Fry, however, hinted that the call might be released when deemed appropriate by the prosecution. The details of that call could offer crucial insight into the events of that morning and the roommates’ state of mind.
The Crime Scene: Piecing Together the Puzzle
D.M.’s bedroom was located on the second floor, just a short distance from where Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found murdered. This proximity adds another layer of complexity to the case.
Floor plan of the off-campus house where the murders happened
Floor plan of the off-campus house where the murders took place, indicating the victims’ and surviving roommates’ bedrooms.
YouTuber and retired crime scene reconstructionist Johnny Law, in conversation with “Sidebar” podcast host Jesse Weber, analyzed the home’s layout. He theorized that based on the sketch, Kernodle and Chapin were likely in Kernodle’s room on the night of the murders. This positions D.M.’s room (2A) in close proximity to the crime scene.
Kaylee Goncalves’ Dog: An Unlikely Survivor
Kaylee Goncalves and her dog Murphy were both on the third floor on the night of the murders. While Goncalves tragically lost her life, Murphy was found unharmed. This detail has prompted various theories, with some online sleuths linking it to Kohberger’s vegan lifestyle.
It’s been widely reported that the Latah County Jail has taken steps to accommodate Kohberger’s vegan diet. This has led to speculation that the killer, potentially driven by a reverence for animal life often associated with veganism, may have chosen to spare the dog.
A Timeline of Terror: Unfolding the Events
D.M.’s account reveals a chilling timeline of events. She recounted hearing noises from the third floor, possibly Goncalves’ dog, around the same time she heard Goncalves say something along the lines of, “There’s someone here.” This statement suggests Goncalves might have become aware of the intruder’s presence.
Security camera footage captured the sound of a dog barking repeatedly at approximately 4:17 a.m., corroborating D.M.’s account. Shortly after, D.M. recalled hearing a male voice say something to the effect of, “It’s okay, I’m going to help you.”
D.M. later opened her door again, this time encountering the suspect face-to-face. She described him as a man with “bushy eyebrows,” a detail that many have linked to Kohberger’s appearance.
The Investigation Continues: Seeking Answers
Despite Kohberger’s arrest and the release of the affidavit, numerous questions linger. Was there a motive behind the killings? Did Kohberger have any prior connection to the victims?
While we await answers, one thing remains clear: this case is far from closed. The upcoming court proceedings hold the potential to reveal crucial details and bring us closer to understanding the events that led to this tragedy. The families, friends, and community affected by this horrific crime deserve justice, and the pursuit of that justice continues.
