Roommate Accounts Detail Night of Horror in Idaho Student Murders

Roommate Accounts Detail Night of Horror in Idaho Student Murders

A roommate present in the home where four University of Idaho students lost their lives witnessed one of her housemates on the floor just moments after encountering a masked intruder, as revealed in a new court filing.

Bryan Kohberger faces charges of first-degree murder for the slayings of four University of Idaho students, including Kaylee Goncalves, aged 21; Xana Kernodle, aged 20; Madison Mogen, aged 21; and Ethan Chapin, aged 20. In addition to these charges, he is also charged with one felony count of burglary.

On the night of Nov. 13, 2022, surviving roommates D.M. and B.F. returned to their residence in Moscow, Idaho, after an evening out. According to Thursday’s court filing, the two roommates convened in Goncalves’ bedroom before settling in for the night.

Discovery of the Intruder

At approximately 4:00 a.m., D.M. reported hearing unsettling noises alongside crying emanating from the bathroom. The court documents disclose that she opened her bedroom door and encountered “a man dressed in black with a ski mask on.”

After this chilling sight, D.M. immediately contacted her roommates to check if they were awake. B.F. was the only one to respond. The two spoke on the phone for 24 seconds, later reconnecting for an additional 41 seconds. During this conversation, D.M. informed B.F. that she had seen a man in a ski mask exit the house.

Frantic Communication

The two roommates engaged in a flurry of text messages between 4:22 a.m. and 4:26 a.m.

“No one is answering,” D.M. texted B.F. “I’m rlly confused rn.”

B.F. replied, “Ya dude wtf. Xana was wearing all black.”

At one point during this time frame, D.M. attempted to reach Goncalves but received no reply. She also tried to contact Kernodle and Chapin, both of whom did not respond.

A Disturbing Scene

D.M. eventually left her room and hurried towards B.F.’s bedroom. It was then that she discovered Kernodle lying on the floor of her bedroom with her head facing the wall and feet towards the door at 4:17 a.m.

In that moment, D.M. assumed that Kernodle was simply intoxicated.

Aftermath of the Incident

From 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., D.M. allegedly engaged in activity on her phone, which included creating, editing, and deleting images and videos, according to the filing. Her phone usage continued until 8:05 a.m. At 10:23 a.m., D.M. messaged Mogen, but did not receive a reply. She remained active on Instagram until 11:29 a.m., when she texted Goncalves to ask if she was awake.

B.F. later called 911 at 11:56 a.m., after several of her friends had arrived at the house.

Data Analysis and Findings

Heather and Jared Barnhart, digital specialists hired by law enforcement to examine Kohberger’s cell phone and computer, reported finding “abnormal” gaps in data on both devices. The anomalies indicated possible efforts to erase or manipulate evidence, according to the court filing.

The Barnharts’ joint report highlighted “gaps” in Kohberger’s computer which could suggest attempts to cover up evidence, raising further intrigue about the timeline of the events. In the statements presented, Brent Turvey, a crime scene analyst called by the defense, suggested that there were concerted efforts to “clean up the crime scene following the homicides,” which would have required much more time than the state alleges.

Trial Preparations and Evidence Admission

Judge Steven Hippler ruled that the testimony from the Barnharts is admissible during the trial. Furthermore, much of the 911 call placed by the roommates will also be presented as evidence.

Implications for the Investigation

The developments from this case continue to shock the community, eliciting questions about safety and responses to potential threats. As details emerge, the narrative surrounding the tragic deaths of these students becomes clearer, highlighting a night filled with fear and confusion.

As the trial approaches, more information about the events of that night will likely surface, compelling the public to pay close attention to each unfolding revelation.