7 Investigates has obtained disturbing photographic evidence from the crime scene of the unspeakable murders of four University of Idaho students, collected on the day Bryan Kohberger allegedly committed the crimes. These nearly 200 redacted and blurred images, acquired through a public records request from Moscow, Idaho police, depict the King Road residence where Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin lost their lives on November 13, 2022.
In July 2023, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders to escape the death penalty, resulting in a sentence of four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. He is currently imprisoned in solitary confinement at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.
The released photographs unveil the horrifying nature of the crime scene, with images of the victims’ bedrooms, the sliding door that Kohberger allegedly used to enter the home, and evidence of bloodshed on various surfaces. Alongside these damaging visuals, 7 Investigates has also acquired surveillance footage from a neighbor’s home showing an unidentified individual walking towards a vehicle parked outside, which traveled to and from the area during the crucial hours following the murders. Notably, the video captures the sounds of loud noises and a dog barking in the background between 4:15 and 4:20 a.m.
From the onset of the investigation, authorities suspected that the murders were targeted. Kohberger evaded capture for almost a month, primarily due to a crucial piece of evidence—a trace of DNA found on a knife sheath discovered at the crime scene. This DNA, alongside other investigative tools such as surveillance footage of a 2011 white Hyundai Elantra, helped law enforcement establish his connection to the crime. Kohberger’s eventual arrest took place when an FBI tactical team descended on his family home in Pennsylvania in late December 2022, leading to his extradition to Idaho in early 2023.
In the face of overwhelming evidence, Kohberger initially entered a plea of not guilty, and his legal team was preparing for a potential death penalty case. However, his subsequent guilty plea marked a significant turn in this poignant case that has deeply affected the Idaho community.
This case not only highlights the brutal nature of the crime but also reflects the intricate and painstaking efforts of law enforcement to ensure justice for the victims and their families amidst this tragic loss. The continued investigation reminds us of the commitment to bringing closure to affected communities in the wake of such violence.