On November 13, 2022, Moscow Police responded to a white, three-story rental house just off the University of Idaho campus. What began as a routine welfare check soon became one of the most shocking homicide investigations in Idaho history.

Inside the home, four University of Idaho students were found brutally murdered: Xana Kernodle (20), her boyfriend Ethan Chapin (20), and lifelong best friends Kaylee Goncalves (21) and Madison Mogen (21). Each had suffered fatal stab wounds. Two other roommates were inside the home that night but survived the attack.

The Crime Scene

Cpl. Brett Payne, one of the first officers to document the scene, reported finding Xana on the bedroom floor with multiple stab wounds to her arms, hands, and face. Ethan was discovered in bed, partly covered by a blanket. Upstairs, Kaylee and Madison were found lying beside one another in bed. Near them, Payne identified a leather knife sheath, later determined to be a critical piece of evidence in the case.

Early Investigation

Within hours, more than a dozen people — including the surviving roommates, family members, and friends — were taken to the Moscow Police station for interviews. Detectives questioned them individually while others waited in the department’s second-floor training room, according to Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger.

At the same time, officers canvassed nearby neighborhoods, collecting surveillance video from homes with security systems. One recording, captured from a camera hidden in a light bulb fixture on a neighbor’s balcony, would later prove pivotal.

National Attention

The brutal killings stunned the small college town of Moscow and quickly gained national attention. Students were fearful, parents demanded answers, and investigators faced mounting pressure as weeks passed without an arrest. Rumors and speculation spread widely across social media, intensifying the public spotlight on the case.

Breakthrough and Arrest

Forensic testing on the knife sheath revealed a DNA profile, later linked through investigative genetic genealogy to Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University in nearby Pullman. Surveillance footage, cell phone records, and vehicle tracking further tied Kohberger to the crime.

On December 30, 2022, police arrested Kohberger at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania. He was extradited to Idaho in January 2023, where he was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. His case remains ongoing, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Date of Homicide: November 13, 2022
• Location: 1122 King Road, Moscow, Idaho (near University of Idaho campus)
• Victims:
• Xana Kernodle (20)
• Ethan Chapin (20)
• Kaylee Goncalves (21)
• Madison Mogen (21)
• Survivors: Two roommates who were inside the home at the time of the attack
• Cause of Death: Multiple stab wounds
• Key Evidence: Leather knife sheath with DNA; surveillance footage; cell phone and vehicle data
• Suspect: Bryan Christopher Kohberger (28), Washington State University Ph.D. criminology student
• Arrest: December 30, 2022, at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania
• Charges: Four counts of first-degree murder, one count of felony burglary

November 12, 2022

• 2:30 PM: Kaylee called her mom after sending pictures & telling her about how much fun she & Maddie had at the Pi Beta Phi party.
• 4:00 PM: Vandal football home game against UC Davis.
  
• 8:00–9:00 PM: Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle attended a party at the Sigma Chi fraternity house on campus. ​ 
• 10:15 PM: Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen left the home.
  
• 10:20 PM: Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen arrived at The Corner Club Bar.

November 13, 2022

• 12:00 AM: Xana Spoke to her father, Xana told him she was home with her boyfriend.
• 1:00 AM: Dylan and Bethany returned home 
  
• 1:30 AM: Mogen and Goncalves left the Corner Club. ​
• 1:40 AM: Mogen and Goncalves were seen on a live Twitch stream at a food truck called The Grub Truck, located four blocks south of Friendship Square. They received their food about ten minutes later and departed, reportedly returning home via a “private party” ride
• 1:45 AM: Ethan & Xana arrive at the residence on King Road.
• 1:49 AM: Uber arrived to pick up Kaylee & Maddie from a The Grub Truck location.
• 1:52 AM: Kaylee & Maddie walking toward their ride. 
• 1:56 AM: Kaylee & Maddie arrived home.
• 2:10:29 AM: Dylan M. sends a text message to E.G. (Uber driver) to inquire if he is driving.
• 2:26 AM: Kaylee’s first call to Jack
• 2:44 AM: A white sedan (BK’s Vehicle) was captured on Washington State University (WSU) campus surveillance traveling north on Southeast Nevada Street at Northeast Stadium Way in Pullman, WA.
• 2:53 AM: The same white sedan is seen traveling southeast on Nevada Street, heading toward State Route 270 (SR 270), which connects Pullman, WA, to Moscow, ID.
• 2:47 AM: Multiple calls are made from Goncalves’ phone to her ex-boyfriend; similar calls are made from Mogen’s phone.
• 3:16 AM: Xana using TikTok
• 3:26 AM: The white sedan traveling westbound in the 700 block of Indian Hills Drive. The vehicle does not display a front license plate.
• 3:28 AM: continuing westbound on Styner Avenue at Idaho State Highway 95. 
• 3:29 AM: Multiple sightings of the white sedan near 1122 King Road (crime scene): The vehicle makes three passes by the residence before leaving via Walenta Drive. This is unusual, as the King Road area is a residential neighborhood with limited traffic during these hours.
• 3:59 AM: Xana Kernodle awake and received Door Dash delivery
• 4:00 AM: D.M. is awoken by what she believes is Kaylee Goncalves playing with her dog in an upstairs bedroom (third floor).
• Shortly After: D.M. hears a female voice (believed to be Goncalves) say something like, “There’s someone here.”
• D.M.’s First Door Opening: D.M. looks out of her bedroom but does not see anything when she hears the comment about someone being in the house.
• 4:04 AM: white sedan enters the area again for the fourth time. It is seen: 
• Driving eastbound on King Road.
• Stopping and making a three-point turn near 500 Queen Road #52.
• Driving back westbound on King Road.
• The vehicle appears to struggle to park or turn around before continuing to Queen Road and King Road intersection, where it makes another three-point turn before heading eastbound again on Queen Road.
• 4:12 AM: Xana Kernodle reportedly awake during this period. Forensic evidence suggests Kernodle was using her phone around 4:12 a.m.
• D.M.’s Second Door Opening: D.M. opens her door again after hearing crying sounds from Kernodle’s room. She then hears a male voice saying, “It’s okay, I’m going to help you.”
• 4:17 AM: A nearby security camera recorded sounds of whimpering, a loud thud, and a dog barking multiple times. ​
• D.M.’s Third Door Opening: D.M. stated she opened her door for the third time after she heard the crying and saw a figure clad in black clothing and a mask that covered the person’s mouth and nose walking towards her. D.M. described the figure as 5’10” or taller, male, not very muscular, but athletically built with bushy eyebrows. The male walked past D.M. as she stood in a “frozen shock phase.” The male walked towards the back sliding glass door. D.M. locked herself back in her room.
• 4:19:07 AM: D.M. attempts to call B.F., Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen (all calls go unanswered)
• 4:20 AM: White Sedan at a high-speed rate departing the King Road Residence area at a high rate of speed. Suspect Vehicle 1 is next observed traveling southbound on Walenta Drive
  
• 4:21:50 AM: The last call from DM to roommates (all calls unanswered) 
• 4:22:08 – 4:24:27 AM – Text Messages Between D.M. and B.F.
• D.M. to B.F.: “No one is answering”
• D.M. to B.F.: “I’m rlly confused rn.”
• D.M. to Goncalves: “Kaylee”
• D.M. to Goncalves: “What’s going on”
• B.F. to D.M.: “Ya dude wtf”
• B.F. to D.M.: “Xana was wearing all black”
• D.M. to B.F.: “I’m freaking out m”
• D.M. to B.F.: “No it’s like ski mask almost”
• B.F. to D.M.: “Stfu”
• B.F. to D.M.: “Actually”
• D.M. to B.F.: “Like he had soemtbinf over is for head and little nd mouth”
• D.M. to B.F.: “B.F I’m not kidding o am so freaked out”
• B.F. to D.M.: “So am I”
• D.M. to B.F.: “My phone is going to die fuck”
• B.F. to D.M.: “Come to my room”
• B.F. to D.M.: “Run”
• B.F. to D.M.: “Down here”
• 4:24:39 AM: D.M. calls Ethan Chapin (call goes unanswered).
• 4:24:58 AM: D.M. texts B.F.: “I’m scRwd tho”
• 4:25:16 AM: B.F. responds: “Ya IK but it’s better than being alone.”
• 4:27:47 AM: D.M. calls Goncalves (unanswered).
• 4:28:44 AM: D.M. calls Kernodle (unanswered).
• 4:32:57 AM: D.M. sends a text to Goncalves: “Pls answer.”
• 10:23:23 AM: D.M. sends text messages:
• To Goncalves: “Pls answer”
• To Mogen: “R u up”
• To Goncalves: “R u up??”
• 11:39:09 AM: D.M. texts her father (B.M.), but these texts are not introduced as hearsay.
• 11:50:55 AM: D.M. receives a text from “J” saying: “bro.”
• 11:50:58 AM: D.M. calls E.A.
• 11:51:01 AM: D.M. receives another text from “J.”

• 11:56 AM – Detailed 911 Call Transcript – is placed to Whitcom dispatch center from a surviving roommate’s phone. Case # CR29-22-2805 Transcript:  File
• Hunter discovered Xana’s body and instructed roommates to call 911
• A 911 call is placed to Whitcom dispatch center from a surviving roommate’s phone.
• The call is made by a friend who had arrived at the residence after the surviving roommates found the victims.
• The call reports an unresponsive person but does not initially specify the nature of the injuries.
• Police and emergency responders are dispatched.
• Bodies Discoveries:
• H.J. finds Xana Kernodle unresponsive.
• H.J. instructs B.F. and D.M. (other roommates) to call 911.
• Multiple people are on the call, including E.A., a friend who was present.
• Callers initially believed Kernodle was unconscious from drinking.
• One caller mentions that they saw a man in the house the previous night.
• The dispatcher repeatedly asks for clarity while the phone is passed around.
• A caller confirms that Kernodle is not breathing.
• Emergency responders are dispatched.
• The first officers arrive at 1122 King Road.
• An officer declares it a possible homicide.
• 12:00 PM: Law enforcement officers arrive at the scene and discover the crime scene.
• The four victims: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves are pronounced deceased.
• Officers begin securing the residence and conducting initial interviews.
• 12:09 p.m.: Officer Mitch Nunes took a statement from D.M. outside of 1122 King Road.
• D.M. described the intruder as “not insanely tall,” wearing all black, with a ski mask covering his forehead and mouth.
• D.M. stated, “He was a little bit taller than me,” and she could not see much of him.
• She described him as “basketball player kind of skinny” and said his voice was unfamiliar.

“not insanely tall,” “wearing all black,” and a “mask that was just covering his forehead and mouth.”
“He was a little bit taller than me,” “I couldn’t really see much of him,” and “I’m almost positive he was wearing a full black outfit, and he had this mask that was just over his forehead and over his mouth.”

• 1:04:01 PM: Student’s Vandal Alert message.
• 1:47 PM: Detective Lawrence Mowery interviewed D.M. at the Moscow Police Department.
• D.M. described the intruder as a white male, “maybe my height, a few inches taller,” with a “skinny, athletic build.”
• She stated he wore all black and a mask covering just his forehead and mouth.
• She estimated his height around 6 feet.
• She mentioned not recognizing his eyes but was “definitely a white guy.”
  she saw a white male she did not know, “maybe my height, a few inches taller,” “skinny, athletic built,” wearing “all black,” “wearing this mask that covers just his forehead and here.
  “I’m 5’10” so he’s probably around 6’.”
  “I don’t remember what his eyes looked like either,” “I didn’t recognize eyes,” but “definitely a white guy.”

November 15, 2022

• Moscow PD released a statement: We determined early in the investigation that we do not believe there is an ongoing threat to community members. Evidence indicates that this was a targeted attack.

November 16, 2022 

• Moscow PD press conference    https://youtu.be/Zq48P7ebOQI

November 17, 2022

• Autopsies reveal the victims were stabbed multiple times, and some had defensive wounds. The coroner stated that the four victims were likely asleep, some had defensive wounds, and each was stabbed multiple times. There was no sign of sexual assault   Release

Interview of Surviving Roommate (D.M.) Source

• Interview Conducted by: ISP Det. Victoria Gooch & MPD Capt. (then Sgt.) Dustin Blaker.
• Summary of D.M.’s Account:
• Went to bed at ~3:20 a.m. Nov. 13, 2022.
• Between 4:00–4:20 a.m., woke and heard a male voice say: “It’s okay, I’m going to help you.”
• Observed a male figure in all black with a ski mask covering forehead, chin, and mouth.
• Only distinct feature remembered: bushy eyebrows.
• Estimated suspect was ~3 feet away, holding something.
• Later texted roommate B.F. about “a guy in all black” in the house.
• Direct Quotes:
• “It’s fuzzy and cloudy… ski mask… I could see the eyebrows.”
• “Bushy eyebrows. That’s all I could think about.”
• “I know he looked at me ’cause I could see his eyebrows.”
• Mask Description:
• “Weird-looking ski mask” (not regular type with cut-out eyes).
• Unsure if she saw his nose or mouth — only remembered eyebrows.
• Defense Notes:
• D.M. admitted she was “really asleep” and possibly intoxicated.
• Unsure if what she saw was real or a dream.
• History of lucid dreams about being kidnapped or chased.
• Often fell asleep to true-crime podcasts.
• Could not provide composite sketch — memory limited to “bushy eyebrows.”

November 18, 2022 – Evidence Collection Source

• Detectives seized contents of three dumpsters on King Road.
• Contacted local businesses about fixed-blade knife purchases.
• MPD Chief James Fry: “The people working on this until we come to a conclusion.”

November 19, 2022 – Case Status

• Police confirmed no suspects identified.
• Stated victims were likely attacked while sleeping.

November 20, 2022 – DNA Result

• ISP lab detected single male DNA source on the button snap of the knife sheath found at the scene.

November 21, 2022 – DNA Transport Source

• MPD Sgt. drove from Moscow to Meridian to collect the DNA profile.
• The profile was taken out of state for identification assistance.

November 22, 2022 – Othram Submission  Source

• MPD officer hand-delivered DNA profile in sealed envelope to Othram Forensics Lab (Houston, TX).
• MPD statement: Detectives still searching for fixed-blade knife used in killings.

November 23, 2022 – Stalker Rumors Source

• MPD ruled out the male Kaylee and Madison repeatedly called the night of the murders.
• Confirmed no evidence supporting rumors that Kaylee had a stalker.

November 25, 2022 – State Funds

• Gov. Brad Little allocated up to $1 million in emergency state funds for the investigation.
• MPD noted similarities to other knife cases (Pullman, WA & Salem, OR), but found no evidence of direct connection.

November 27, 2022 – Public Safety Calls Spike

• MPD reported a significant increase in calls:
• 78 “unusual circumstances” reports (vs. 70 in October).
• 36 welfare checks (vs. 18 in October).

November 29, 2022 – Vehicle Lead Source

• WSU Police queried Bryan Kohberger’s white Hyundai Elantra in their system.
• Sent vehicle details to Moscow Police.

November 30, 2022 – Public Search Expansion

• MPD confirmed victims were located on 2nd & 3rd floors.
• Requested video/evidence from wide perimeter (Taylor Ave → Arboretum, Hwy 95 corridors).
• Announced search for occupants of white Hyundai Elantra seen near scene.

December 1, 2022 – Second D.M. Interview

• Interviewed by Forensic Interviewer Erin Williamson.
• Repeated hearing male voice: “It’s okay, I’m gonna help you.”
• Described intruder:
• “All black figure,” skinny build, about her height or slightly taller.
• Ski mask (rectangular cutout style); only remembered “one bushy eyebrow.”
• Wore black long sleeves, pants, and boots.
• D.M. drew the mask for interviewer.
• Defense Notes:
• Still did not recall eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Expressed confusion about whether it was real or a dream.
• Said she initially thought the intruder could have been a fireman.

December 6, 2022 – DoorDash Warrant

• Investigators obtained a search warrant for DoorDash records.

December 7, 2022 – Elantra Tips

• MPD confirmed receipt of thousands of tips re: Hyundai Elantra.
• Public appeal narrowed to 2011–2013 white Elantra.

December 13, 2022 – FBI Involvement

• FBI took over full access to DNA profile.
• Began database comparisons nationwide.

December 16, 2022 – Surveillance Source

• 2:26 p.m. EST – Surveillance video in Albrightsville, PA showed Kohberger’s Elantra.

December 19, 2022 – Kohberger Identified  Source

• Investigators identified Bryan Kohberger using Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG).
• MPD notified WSU Police Chief Jenkins of suspect ID.
• Law enforcement began compiling additional evidence for warrants.

December 20–25, 2022 – Pre-Arrest Surveillance  Source

• Dec. 20: FBI dispatched to Kohberger parents’ home (Poconos, PA). Surveillance began.
• Dec. 21: Aerial photos of residence taken for entry planning.
• Dec. 23: Cell phone records showed Kohberger’s phone had been near King Road at least 12 times before murders.
• Dec. 24: Physical surveillance — tailing Kohberger’s movements.
• Dec. 25: Installed surveillance cameras around residence.

December 27, 2022 – Familial DNA Collection Source

• Trash seized from Kohberger residence in PA.
• DNA from father linked to crime scene sheath DNA.

December 28–29, 2022 – Arrest Warrants Source

• Dec. 28: DNA match confirmed. Warrant preparation began.
• Dec. 29:
• Arrest warrant signed in Latah County, Idaho.
• Search warrants authorized for residence, car, and electronics.
• Pennsylvania SWAT notified to prepare for raid.

December 30, 2022 – Arrest of Bryan Kohberger Source

• 1:14 a.m. EST: SWAT raided parents’ home. Source
• Kohberger arrested, transported to Stroudsburg, PA station.
• Made statements during transport and interrogation (asked about parents, dog, spoke of baseball preference).
• Confirmed WSU criminology PhD student; arrived Pullman July 1, 2022.
• 4:00 a.m. EST: Criminal complaint filed; Elantra seized. Source
• Kohberger agreed to waive extradition to Idaho.
• Interview with D.M.: Source
• Shown Kohberger’s mugshot.
• D.M. said: “I have no clue. Nothing came back to me at all.”
• Reiterated only memory: “bushy eyebrow, all black clothing, some sort of mask.”

December 31, 2022 – Academic Record Source

• Kohberger listed as a Teaching Assistant for Fall 2022 WSU Class 03599.

January 3, 2023 – Extradition

• Kohberger waived extradition in PA.
• Agreed to be transported to Idaho.

January 4, 2023 – Arrival in Idaho

• Kohberger arrived in Latah County.
• Formally charged with four counts of 1st-degree murder and one count of burglary.

January 5, 2023 – Initial Court Appearance

• Kohberger appeared in Latah County Court.
• Formally charged again on record; held without bail.
• Probable Cause Affidavit released:
• Cell phone records, DNA match, and vehicle surveillance linked Kohberger to the murders.

November 21, 1994: Born in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania.

2013 – 2014

• Kohberger graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania.
• He briefly attended Monroe Career and Technical Institute in Bartonsville but dropped out a year later in 2014..

2016 – 2018 – Source

• In 2016 Kohberger Enrolled at Northampton Community College, PA. and earned an associate degree in psychology from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
• In 2017 while at Northampton College he became a member of Psi Beta and also was Student Peer Supporter.

2018 – 2020

• In 2018 He continued his studies at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in 2020.
• 2018: He also participated in Psi Beta Research on the Hidden People Research Project (hidden disabilities).
• 2018, Kohberger Works as a security guard for Pleasant Valley School District in Brodheadsville where his mother was listed as a paraprofessional. Kohberger was hailed a hero by Pocono Record newspaper for his actions in helping a colleague suffering a medical emergency.

2020 – 2022

• In 2020 Kohberger enrolled into master program at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania Source and graduated with master’s degree in criminal justice in 2022.
• While he was at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania became a member of Psi Chi.

May 5, 2020

• Final assignment was on Crime Scene  Scenario and completed graduate studies in May 2022   Records

2021

• August 27, 2021 Left Pleasant Valley School District.  Source

January 10, 2022

• Bryan Kohberger purchased a black balaclava from Dick’s Sporting Goods

Mach 31, 2022

• Bryan Kohberger wrote Application Essay for a Graduate Research Assistantship for Public Safety  Source
• Submitted The Research Curriculum Vitae Application  Source

April, 2022

• Chief Jenkins conducted Zoom interviews with Bryan Kohberger and other candidates for the police internship. Kohberger, then 27, wrote in his application that he had an “interest in assisting rural law enforcement agencies with how to better collect and analyze technological data in public safety operations,” The chief said whoever got the job would need to be able to get police officers to open up and talk about their work. Kohberger’s demeanor ruled him out from getting the position. “I just felt that he would have a difficult time developing that trust with my staff,” “He seemed a little bit awkward in talking. He wasn’t very conversational, and I just thought he would not be a good fit and would have difficulty working with my staff.”

June 2022

• Kohberger moved to Pullman, Washington

July 2022: 

• Lived at Steptoe Village Apartments (graduate student housing) on the WSU campus.

August, 2022

• Began his first semester as a PhD student.
• Took classes and worked as a teaching assistant (TA) in WSU’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

August 21, 2022 – His first recorded trip to the area.

• 10:34 p.m. to 11:35 p.m: Kohberger Phone 8458 utilized cellular resources providing coverage to the King Road Residence
• 11:37 p.m: Kohberger was stopped by Latah County Sheriffs Deputy CPL Duke. The 8548 Phone was utilizing cellular resources consistent with the location of the traffic stop during this time (Farm Road and Pullman Highway).

Late October–Early November 2022

• Continued TA duties at WSU.
• Allegedly became more disengaged, grading erratically and receiving complaints from students.
• Phone data and surveillance footage later showed Kohberger was in the vicinity of the victims’ house multiple times in the weeks leading up to the murders, sometimes late at night or early morning.

November 12, 2022: Day Before the Murders

• Spent time in Pullman.

November 13, 2022 – The Crime and Initial Investigation

• 2:42 AM – Bryan Kohberger’s 8458 Phone was using cellular resources near his apartment in Pullman, WA.
• 2:44 AM – Surveillance cameras at Washington State University (WSU) captured a white sedan (matching Kohberger’s Hyundai Elantra) heading north.
• 2:47 AM – Kohberger’s phone stops reporting to the network, a common tactic to avoid tracking.
• 2:53 AM – The white Elantra was seen traveling southeast toward SR 270, the highway connecting Pullman, WA, and Moscow, ID.
• 3:29 AM – Security footage in Moscow, ID, recorded the suspect vehicle traveling westbound.
• 4:00 AM – Victim Xana Kernodle received a Door Dash delivery at the residence.
• 4:00 AM – Surviving roommate D.M. (Dylan Mortensen) was awakened by noises and thought she heard Kaylee Goncalves playing with her dog.
• 4:04 AM – The suspect vehicle was seen driving eastbound on King Road, making multiple passes before attempting to park.
• 4:12 AM – Kernodle was active on TikTok, suggesting she was awake at the time.
• 4:12 AM – D.M. heard crying from Xana Kernodle’s room and a male voice say, “It’s okay, I’m going to help you.”
• 4:17 AM – A security camera near the house picked up sounds of voices, a loud thud, and a dog barking.
• 4:20 AM – The suspect vehicle was seen fleeing the area at high speed.
• 4:22:08 – 4:24:27 AM – Text Messages Between D.M. and B.F.
• 5:25 AM – The white Elantra was caught on five security cameras back in Pullman, WA, near WSU campus.
• 5:30 AM – Kohberger’s phone reconnects to the network, consistent with his return to his apartment.
• 9:00 AM – Kohberger’s phone leaves his apartment and travels to Moscow, ID,
• 9:12 AM: According to investigators, Kohberger’s phone pinged near the crime scene around 9:12 AM on the morning of the murders, suggesting he returned to the vicinity after the crimes occurred.
• 9:32 AM: Kohberger’s phone returning home.
• 10:31 AM: Bryan Kohberger Selfie taken on November 13, 2022
• 11:56 AM – 911 Call
• 12:00 PM: Law enforcement officers arrive at the scene and discover the crime scene. The four victims (Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves) are pronounced deceased. Officers begin securing the residence and conducting initial interviews.
• 12:09 PM: Surviving roommate D.M. spoke with law enforcement at the scene and later at the police department. She described the intruder’s height, build, and clothing but did not initially mention eyebrows. She expressed confusion about the intruder looking at her but not approaching. D.M. stated she was “in and out of it” and very tired at the time of the incident.
• 1:04:01 PM: Vandal Alert message.

November 14, 2022

• Kohberger’s phone never connected to Moscow cell towers after the crime.

November 17, 2022

• Autopsies reveal the victims were stabbed multiple times, and some had defensive wounds. Release The coroner stated that the four victims were likely asleep, some had defensive wounds, and each was stabbed multiple times. There was no sign of sexual assault
• Police Interview: Follow-Up Interview Conducted by Detective Gooch: 
• D.M. was interviewed by ISP Detective Victoria Gooch and MPD Captain (then Sergeant) Dustin Blaker.
• D.M. detailed her activities on November 12, 2022, until going to bed at approximately 3:20 a.m. on November 13, 2022.
• Between 4:00 a.m. and 4:20 a.m., D.M. woke up and heard an unfamiliar male voice saying, “It’s okay, I’m going to help you.”
• She saw a person wearing all black with a ski mask covering his forehead and mouth.
• She distinctly remembered bushy eyebrows.
• DM Statement:

someone ’cause it – from my mind, it’s, like, I was almost wearing these, like, blurry glasses. Like, it’s fuzzy and cloudy, but it was, like, a figure of someone wearing all black. And it was, like, they had a ski mask that was covering their forehead, and their chin, and mouth. But I could see the – I – all I remember was seeing their eyebrows. And I don’t – I don’t remember what their eyes looked like, but I remember their eyebrows. I don’t remember the color the eyebrows were. I just remember, like, bushy eyebrows. That’s all I could think about.

• Cpt. Blaker asked what was covering his face and D.M. stated: I don’t know… weird-looking ski mask. It wasn’t like the regular ski mask with, like, eyes and, you know, because I saw his eyebrows, and I could -I think I saw his nose and, like, this part of his face, but I don’t know.
• Detective Gooch asked D.M. if she knew what a balaclava was and showed her a picture. In response and addressing whether she could see the male’s mouth, D.M. stated:
  No. And I don’t remember if I saw it – like I don’t remember if I saw his nose, but I know I saw eyebrows. And I don’t remember his eyes. I just feel like I can see eyebrows, but I mean, that could be it.
  I mean, that would make sense why the forehead was covered and this part of his face was covered.
• The investigators inquired if D.M. could provide a composite for an artist.. D.M. responded:

No, I don’t’ remember what his eyes looked like. I don’t remember what his nose looked like. I just remember eyebrows. I don’t know exactly what the eyebrows looked like at all really. I just remember thinking, like, eyebrows.
Yeah, bushy, but that’s all — like I don’t remember the shape. I don’t remember, like, the color. I just remember, like, bushy eyebrows.
That’s the only thing I can remember.
“I don’t’ know if I was still drunk. Probably was, I don’t’ know for sure. I was really asleep, I like- like, woke up out of nowhere,” and “I was – obviously, probably still a little bit drunk. I just woke up. I don’t remember fully.”
“I believe I was also very drunk. I don’t know how much of this was real. Like, I don’t know if my mind was, like, doing whatever. I don’t know any of it. Like, half of the stuff, I don’t know if it’s a dream, or if it’s real. I just have no clue.”

• But the investigators told D.M. they only wanted D.M. to focus on what she knew was true – “that’s the most important.” D.M. agreed. After this, D.M. provided the same descriptions with absolutely no variance. D.M. also made it clear the eyebrows are the feature she most clearly remembered.

November 17, 2022

• Bryan Kohberger made it to his Routine Medical appointment, in Pullman Washington.
  

November 18, 2022

• Bryan Kohberger registered his car in Pullman
• Detectives seized the contents of three dumpsters on King Road to locate possible evidence. Additionally, detectives have contacted local businesses to determine if a fixed-blade knife had been recently purchased.

November 19, 2022

• Police say they have no identified suspects and that the victims were likely attacked while they were sleeping.

November 22, 2022

• Moscow PD Detectives continue to look for the weapon. The type of knife thought to be used in the attacks is believed to be a fix-blade knife.

November 23, 2022

• Moscow PD Do not believe the male Kaylee and Madison attempted to contact numerous times on November 13th is involved in this crime. Kaylee mentioned having a stalker, but detectives have been unable to corroborate the statement.

November 25, 2022

• Moscow Police Department (MPD) issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for a white Hyundai Elantra.

November 27, 2022

• 78 calls for unusual circumstances and 36 requests to check the welfare of loved ones, an increase from 70 and 18, respectively, for all of October

November 29, 2022

• 12:28 a.m., A WSU Police officer found a 2015 white Hyundai Elantra with PA license plate LFZ-8649 registered to Bryan Kohberger in their system.
• 12:58 a.m., WSU Officer Curtis Whitman was looking for white Hyundai Elantra’s and located a 2015 white Hyundai Elantra at 1630 NE Valley Road in Pullman in the parking lot 1630 NE Valley Road is an apartment complex that houses WSU Students. Officer Whitman also ran the car and it returned to Kohberger with a Washington tag.

November 30, 2022

• Moscow PD Detectives confirm the victims were located on the second and third floors of the residence. Moscow PD Detectives seeking help from residents and businesses within the area of West Taylor Ave (north boundary), West Palouse River Dr (south boundary), Highway 95 south to the 2700 block of Highway 95 S (east boundary), and Arboretum & Botanical Garden (west boundary) Investigators announce they are looking for the occupants of a white Hyundai Elantra seen near the crime scene.

December 1, 2022

• D.M. was interviewed by Forensic Interviewer Erin Williamson: D.M. gave a detailed accounting of Saturday, November 12, 2022, until she went to bed on Sunday, November 13, 2022. D.M. reported she heard a “man’s voice, and it wasn’t Ethan’s. It was, like ‘It’s okay, I’m gonna help you’.” she saw a “all black figure about my height, maybe few inches taller,” “skinny build,” wearing a mask. D.M. texted B.F. “there’s a guy in all black.” D.M. described the ski mask:
• She described hearing a man’s voice, stating, “It’s okay, I’m gonna help you.”
• She again described seeing a figure in all black, about her height or a few inches taller, with a skinny build and wearing a mask.
• She stated, “I don’t remember if it was just, like, one eyebrow or two, but it was just, like, this bushy eyebrow.”
• D.M. drew the mask for the interviewer.
• D.M. reported she heard a “man’s voice, and it wasn’t Ethan’s. It was, like ‘It’s okay, I’m gonna help you’.”
• Again, D.M. described the ski mask:

I couldn’t see any of his hair…But I remember jus like, seeing like, it was like, almost rectangular like not the circle ones.
It was rectangular ’cause I remember seeing like, just like, I don’t know how to explain it. Just seeing like, this. Maybe, I’d be able to see like, a cross. But I don’t’ remember seeing his eyes, but I feel like his eyes were there. I could just see like, an eyebrow. I feel like that’s how I know he saw me ’cause I could see his eyebrow. Like, if I can see his eyebrow, he can see me.
From what I remember, I think he was like just, like, walking past that little wall and going towards the kitchen. And I don’t know – like I just remember seeing an eyebrow. I don’t know why I just see one — it was just, like, one bushy eyebrow. I don’t remember the color, like the full shape. I just remember it being bushy.

• She described his clothing again stating the male was wearing black long sleeves, black pants, and black boots. At the end of the interview, D.M. drew the mask for the interviewer. While drawing, she gave a consistent description of the mask and noted the eyebrows “I don’t remember if I saw one or two. Like, it was – it was just weird.”

December 7, 2022

• Moscow Police confirm they have received thousands of tips about the Hyundai Elantra.

December 13, 2022

• A license plate reader detected Kohberger’s Elantra in Loma, Colorado, as he drove home to Pennsylvania.

December 15, 2022

• Indiana police pulled Kohberger over twice while he was traveling east with his father.

December 16, 2022

• 2:26 p.m: Surveillance video captured Kohberger’s Elantra arriving in Albrightsville, PA. Moscow PD released a statement: We determined early in the investigation that we do not believe there is an ongoing threat to community members. Evidence indicates that this was a targeted attack.

December 23, 2022

• AT&T records revealed that Kohberger’s phone had visited the King Road house at least 12 times before the murders, mostly at night or early morning.

December 27, 2022

• FBI agents retrieved trash from the Kohberger family home, linking his father’s DNA to the DNA found on a knife sheath recovered at the crime scene.

December 29, 2022

• Arrest Warrant Statement Law enforcement used D.M.’s prior interview descriptions to support an arrest warrant for Kohberger. The affidavit described the suspect as: 5’10” or taller – Male, athletic build – Wearing black clothing and a mask – Having “bushy eyebrows”.

December 30, 2022 – Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.

• 1:14 AM Pennsylvania SWAT raided Kohberger’s parents’ home
• Kohberger made statements to his arresting officers.
• He was transported to a police station in Stroudsburg, PA, and made statements during transport.
• Kohberger was processed, during which police collected information about his person.
• During interrogation, before requesting an attorney, Mr. Kohberger made statements to interrogators from the Idaho State Police and the Moscow Police Department.
• 4:00 AM EDT on December 30, 2023, Pennsylvania State Police filed a criminal complaint
• Bryan Kohberger is arrested in Pennsylvania, and the Hyundai Elantra is seized.
• Kohberger appears in court in Pennsylvania and agrees to be extradited to Idaho.

Police Interview: D.M. was interviewed by ISP Detectives Joe Lake and Gary Tolleson in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

• D.M. was asked about Bryan Kohberger. D.M. was asked “have you seen a picture of Mr. Kohberger?” D.M. responded “Yeah, I looked him up today when I found out.” Regarding what picture she saw, she stated “I’ve seen the mugshot one with the vest thing, I think.” The interviewer asked “this Bryan Kohberger the person that you saw in this mugshot? Is that the person you saw in your house?” D.M. responded:

I have no clue. From what I remember, I just remember seeing this figure that was, like, not fat, obviously but more of like the skinnier tone build, and some mask on. I don’t know what the mask exactly was. But when I thought about it, it was just, like, covering here and here. I don’t know if it was covering his mouth, his nose, or below his mouth and nose. I just remember knowing that he was white, but I didn’t know how he was white. I just knew he was. And this knowing there’s — like I knew he had looked at me because of the bushy eyebrow. That’s all I remember.

But I have no idea what he looked like. I don’t like –when I looked at his picture, nothing came back to me at all. So that like — I don’t know. I feel like if I saw that, my mind would be like, oh, yeah, that’s him, but it just – I don’t remember at all 

All I remember…but I don’t remember big nose at all, like at all. That’s like – all I remember is like some bushy eyebrow in all black and some sort of mask, but it wasn’t like one of those circle ski masks. That’s all I remember

May 15, 2023 – Grand Jury Testimony

• D.M. testified at the grand jury proceeding for the above-titled matter. Grand jury testimony. Regarding November 13, 2022, D.M. testified she woke up around 4:00 a.m. to noises (music, Murphy, talking, and/or singing). D.M. testified she opened her door and heard a man’s voice say “It’s okay, I’m going to help you. And I didn’t know who the man’s voice was. D.M. testified she opened her door again and saw: 

a figure in all black, which I believe was a person.

I knew the person was white. I don’t know how, but I just knew it. Knew it was male. I think I knew that because of the voice. The person was around my height or a few inches taller.

And then I knew his build wasn’t like scrawny, and he wasn’t fat, so I figured it was like the basketball toned, lean build.

There was like, form what I think I remember, it was like a black mask, almost like a ski mask, but not – it just like covered the head, and then maybe up to the mouth, maybe more. I can’t remember if it covered just the chin, the mouth, or the nose or lower.

the clothing was “all black.”

“Well, the thing I can really remember was something about a bushy eyebrow. I don’t remember seeing anything else, just something about a bushy eyebrow.”

Key Evidence Against Kohberger:

• Surveillance Footage – Captured a white Hyundai Elantra in Moscow around the time of the murders.
• Phone Records – Showed Kohberger’s phone was turned off during the crime but had been near the King Road house 12 times before.
• KA-BAR, Sheath and sharpener Amazon order.
• DNA Evidence – Found on a knife sheath at the crime scene, later linked to Kohberger’s father through familial DNA.
  
• Eyewitness Testimony – Surviving roommate D.M. saw a man in black clothing and a mask with bushy eyebrows inside the house.
• Traffic Stops – Kohberger and his father were stopped twice in Indiana, where he appeared nervous.

Prosecutors believe the murders unfolded as follows:

• Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were killed first in the same bedroom.
• The knife sheath was left on their bed.
• On the way out, Kohberger encountered Xana Kernodle and killed her.
• He then entered Xana’s room and killed Ethan Chapin, who was sleeping.
• A surviving roommate woke up and saw Kohberger, dressed in black with a mask, as he exited through the kitchen sliding door.
• 4:35 a.m. Surveillance footage captured Kohberger’s vehicle speeding away from the crime scene.
• 4:50 a.m. Kohberger’s phone was turned back on while driving through isolated back roads out of Moscow.
• 5:30 a.m. His phone pinged near his apartment in Pullman, Washington, indicating he had returned home.
• 9:00 a.m. Mysteriously, Kohberger’s phone pinged again near the victims’ home. Prosecutors do not know why he returned or what he did.

Mid–November 2022

In the days after the murders, Kohberger:

• Attempted to buy a replacement knife and sheath on Amazon.
• Tried to delete or alter his Amazon purchase history.
• Changed his car registration from Pennsylvania to Washington.
• Deep-cleaned his car, which was described as “essentially disassembled” inside.
• His apartment was described as ‘Spartan’, with no trace of evidentiary value.

December 2022

• While Kohberger was home for the holidays in Pennsylvania, FBI surveillance began.
• Agents retrieved trash from his parents’ home, including a Q-tip containing his father’s DNA.
• The familial match connected Kohberger to the single-source male DNA left on the knife sheath at the crime scene

Moscow, ID – Initial Sightings

03:26:10 AM – Vehicle 1 seen driving westbound on Indian Hills Drive.
03:26:35 AM – Headlights seen traveling westbound on Indian Hills Drive.
03:26:43 AM – Vehicle 1 seen traveling westbound on Indian Hills Drive.
03:28:56 AM – Vehicle 1 traveling westbound on Styner Avenue, crossing Main Street, continuing westbound on Lauder Avenue.
03:29:02 AM – Vehicle 1 seen traveling westbound on Lauder Avenue through Ridge Road intersection.
03:29:04 AM – Vehicle 1 continues north as Lauder Avenue curves toward Taylor Avenue.
03:29:48 AM – Vehicle 1 seen traveling westbound on Taylor Avenue past Linda Lane. Surveillance Footage Located 1320 Linda Lane.

Moscow, ID – Near Victims’ Residence (King Road, Queen Road Area)

03:30:22 AM – Vehicle 1 seen traveling southbound on King Road, turning east onto Queen Road.
03:30:55 AM – Vehicle 1 moves east along the north side of 500 Queen Road, turns south, then west, exits frame traveling west toward 1122 King Road (Victims’ Residence).
03:31:18 AM – Headlights briefly shine on upper exterior of 1127 King Road, indicating a vehicle turning north toward Queen Road.
03:33:01 AM – Vehicle 1 travels west on Queen Road, turning north onto King Road. Headlights seen reflecting on trees west of King/Taylor Avenue intersection.
03:33:36 AM – Headlights seen southbound on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.

Moscow, ID – Moving Around Victims’ Residence

03:35:13 AM – Vehicle 1 seen south on Ridge Road, turning west onto Paradise Drive.
03:35:14 AM – Vehicle 1 continues westbound on Paradise Drive.
03:38:12 AM – Headlights seen northbound on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
03:38:34 AM – Vehicle 1 seen southbound on King Road, turning east on Queen Road.
03:39:07 AM – Vehicle 1 moves east along the north side of 500 Queen Road, then south, then west, exiting toward victims’ residence.
03:39:35 AM – Headlights briefly shine on 1127 King Road, indicating another vehicle turn.
03:40:24 AM – Vehicle 1 seen traveling west on Queen Road, turning north onto King Road.

Moscow, ID – Departure from Area

03:41:01 AM – Headlights seen traveling south on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
03:43:46 AM – Headlights turn east onto Paradise Drive from Ridge Road; possible immediate U-turn.
03:45:07 AM – Headlights seen traveling north on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
03:47:08 AM – Headlights seen traveling south on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
03:48:47 AM – Vehicle 1 turns east onto Paradise Drive from Ridge Road; possible immediate U-turn.
03:50:27 AM – Headlights seen traveling north on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
03:51:26 AM – Headlights seen traveling south on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
03:52:42 AM – Headlights seen traveling south on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
03:53:36 AM – Headlights seen traveling north on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.

Moscow, ID – Final Arrival of Vehicle 1

03:56:24 AM – Vehicle 1 travels south on King Road, turns east onto Queen Road.
03:56:57 AM – Vehicle 1 moves east along the north side of 500 Queen Road, then south, then west, exits frame toward victims’ residence.
03:57:27 AM – Headlights briefly shine on 1127 King Road, vehicle disappears within 5 seconds.
03:58:23 AM – Vehicle 1 travels west on Queen Road, turns north onto King Road.
03:59:04 AM – Headlights seen traveling south on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
04:00:14 AM – Headlights seen traveling north on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
04:01:30 AM – Vehicle 1 travels south, then east on Lauder Avenue.
04:01:43 AM – Vehicle 1 turns eastbound Lauder Avenue onto southbound Ridge Road.
04:04:20 AM – Headlights seen traveling north on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.
04:04:56 AM – Vehicle 1 travels south on King Road, turns east onto Queen Road.
04:05:31 AM – Vehicle 1 pulls into east-side parking lot of 500 Queen Road, does a 3-point turn, exits westbound.
04:06:09 AM – Headlights seen reflecting on 1119 King Road as vehicle faces west on Queen Road.
04:06:31 AM – Vehicle 1 travels west on Queen Road, performs a U-Turn, travels east on Queen Road.
04:07:28 AM – Vehicle 1 moves east along the north side of 500 Queen Road, then south, then west, exiting toward victims’ residence.
04:07:47 AM – Headlights seen turning north onto Queen Road, last sighting near the crime scene for 13 minutes.

Moscow, ID – Fast Exit from Area

04:20:47 AM – Vehicle 1 speeds westbound on Queen Road, turning north onto King Road.
04:21:05 AM – Headlights seen traveling south on Walenta Drive behind 1119 King Road.

Pullman, WA – Vehicle 1 Appears on Cameras Again

05:26:59 AM – Vehicle 1 seen traveling northbound on Johnson Avenue, Pullman, WA.
05:25:30 AM – Vehicle 1 turns from Johnson Ave onto northbound Bishop Blvd, Pullman, WA.
05:26:22 AM – Vehicle 1 continues north on Bishop Blvd toward E Main Street (Highway 270).
05:26:46 AM – Vehicle 1 turns onto northbound E Main Street (Highway 270).
05:28:31 AM – Vehicle 1 turns onto NE Stadium Way from E Main Street, continues northeast.
05:28:44 AM – Vehicle 1 continues northeast on NE Stadium Way.
05:29:33 AM – Vehicle 1 continues north on NE Stadium Way through Grimes Way intersection.
05:29:41 AM – Vehicle 1 continues north on NE Stadium Way through Wilson Road intersection.
05:30:18 AM – Vehicle 1 is northbound on NE Stadium Way, then turns east onto NE Orchard Drive.

Moscow, ID – Last Recorded Movement of Vehicle 1

09:12:59 AM – Vehicle 1 seen southbound on Highway 95.

Summary FBI Records

• Vehicle 1 was seen near the victims’ residence multiple times between 3:30 AM – 4:21 AM, making multiple U-turns and circling the area.
• It left Moscow, ID, around 4:21 AM at high speed.
• The vehicle reappeared in Pullman, WA at 5:26 AM, traveling northbound.
• It was last seen southbound on Highway 95 at 9:12 AM.

3:29 a.m – 1320 Linda Lane surveillance footage for November 13, 2022. The relevant footage is taken on November 13, 2022, approximately .3 miles from 1122 King Road (i.e. the crime scene). Video footage around 3:29 a.m. showing the suspect vehicle the area of the crime scene prior to the homicides
3:30 a.m. to 4:07 a.m. – 1330 Linda Lane surveillance footage for November 13, 2022: This footage is maintained by the same property management company as 1320 Linda Lane. The relevant footage is taken on November 13, 2022, approximately .3 miles from 1122 King Road (i.e. the crime scene). Video footage from approximately 3:30 a.m. to 4:07 a.m. showing the suspect vehicle traveling around the area of the crime scene prior to the homicides.

Surveillance Footage:

• November 12, 2022, 10:20 p.m. to November 13, 2022, 1:37 a.m. – Corner Club surveillance footage from November 12-13, 2022. KG and MM
• November 13, 2022, 3:29 a.m – 1320 Linda Lane surveillance footage from November 13, 2022.
• November 13, 2022, 3:30 a.m. to 4:07 a.m -1330 Linda Lane surveillance footage from November 13, 2022.
• November 13, 2022, 1:40 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. – Bagel Shop surveillance footage from November 13, 2022. This evidence provides a timeline of events (for KG and MM) before the homicides.
• November 13, 2022,1:40 a.m. – Café Artista surveillance footage from November 13, 2022. This evidence provides a timeline of events (for KG and MM) before the homicides.
• November 13, 2022, from approximately 1:43 a.m. to 1:53 a.m. PST. This evidence provides a timeline of events (for KG and MM) before the homicides and corroborates State’s witnesses’ testimony.
• November 13, 2022, at around 3:02 a.m. – Floyd’s Cannabis Co. surveillance video showing a white sedan on State Route 270 between Pullman, WA and Moscow, ID approximately one hour before the homicides.
• November 13, 2022, 3:28 a.m. – Sunset Mart 1311 S. Main St., Moscow, ID approximately .5 miles from 1122 King Road (i.e. the crime scene). Video footage showing the suspect vehicle the area of the crime scene prior to the homicides
• November 13, 2022, 5:25 a.m. and 5:26 a.m. – Sunset Mart 1455 SE Bishop Blvd., Pullman, WA) surveillance showing the suspect vehicle in Pullman, WA after the homicides.
• November 13, 2022 at around 5:26 a.m. – E&S Services (1300 Johnson Ave., Pullman, WA) surveillance video showing the suspect vehicle after the homicides in Pullman, WA
• November 13, 2022, 11:59 a.m. – Costco (Clarkston, WA) surveillance footage from November 13, 2022 show Defendant’s vehicle and actions hours after the homicides.
• November 13, 2022 12:42 and 12:44 p.m. – US Chef Store Clarkston, WA video surveillance show Defendant’s vehicle and actions hours after the homicides.
• November 13, 2022, 12:46 p.m. to 1:06 p.m. Albertson’s (Clarkston, WA) surveillance footage and business records from November 13, 2022.

Financial and Transaction Records:

• Amazon financial and user records for Bryan Kohberger.
• AT&T phone records for Bryan Kohberger, Madison Mogen, and Xana Kernodle.
• Bank of America records for B.F. and Xana Kernodle.
• Banner Bank records for Ethan Chapin.
• Corner Club transaction receipts from November 13, 2022.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods sale record for Bryan Kohberger.
• Discover financial records for Kaylee Goncalves.
• DoorDash records for Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.
• Elan Financial records for Kaylee Goncalves.

Door Dash records for XK

• November 13, 2022, at 3:59 a.m. Door Dash regarding a delivery to 1122 King Road. This particular evidence provides a timeline of events for Xana K before the homicides

TikTok

• November 13, 2022 3:16 a.m. – The records show XK on the TikTok
  

Mask – Dick’s Sporting Goods

• January 10, 2022 Bryan Kohberger purchased a black balaclava from Dick’s Sporting Goods This mask is the same type of mask described by DM that she witnessed worn by a male in the residence on November 13, 2022.

Educational Records:

• DeSales University student records for Bryan Kohberger. Records

Body Camera

• August 21, 2022 – Latah County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Darren Duke body camera video
• August 21, 2022 – Latah County Sheriff’s Office citation issued on August 21, 2022 (Bates Number 13012-13013)

Surveillance Footage of Suspect Vehicle (White Hyundai Elantra)

• Investigators tracked the white Hyundai Elantra using multiple surveillance cameras from various locations, including 1125 Ridge Road, which played a key role in linking the suspect’s vehicle to the crime.

November 13, 2022 – Early Morning Hours (Before the Crime)

Washington State University (WSU) Campus, Pullman, WA

• 2:44 AM – Surveillance footage captures a white sedan on WSU campus traveling north on Southeast Nevada Street at Northeast Stadium Way.
• 2:53 AM – The same vehicle is seen traveling southeast on Nevada Street toward State Route 270 (SR 270), heading in the direction of Moscow, ID.

November 13, 2022 – Arrival in Moscow, ID

Styner Avenue & Idaho State Highway 95, Moscow, ID

• 3:26 AM – 3:28 AM – Surveillance footage captures the white sedan traveling westbound on Styner Avenue near Highway 95.
• The vehicle does not display a front license plate.

1125 Ridge Road, Moscow, ID

• 3:30 AM – The white Hyundai Elantra is captured on surveillance at 1125 Ridge Road. Investigators use this footage to track the vehicle’s movements leading toward 1122 King Road (the crime scene). The footage at 1125 Ridge Road does not provide a continuous link to the crime scene, which the defense later challenges.

November 13, 2022 – Crime Scene Area (1122 King Road, Moscow, ID)

• 3:29 AM – Multiple sightings of the suspect vehicle near the crime scene at 1122 King Road.
  The vehicle makes three passes by the residence before initially leaving via Walenta Drive.
• 4:04 AM – The white Hyundai Elantra returns to the King Road area for a fourth time.
• The car stops, attempts to park or turn around near 500 Queen Road #52, but then drives away.
• The vehicle is seen making a three-point turn at the intersection of Queen Road and King Road, then drives eastbound on Queen Road
• 4:20 AM – The vehicle is seen leaving the King Road area at a high rate of speed.

November 13, 2022 – Departure from the Crime Scene

Palouse River Drive & Conestoga Drive, Moscow, ID

• 4:21 AM – The vehicle is last seen heading southbound on Walenta Drive. Investigators believe the car exited the neighborhood via Palouse River Drive, leading toward Pullman, WA.

November 13, 2022 – Return to Pullman, WA

Pullman, WA – Additional Surveillance Captures Return Route

• 5:25 AM – The white Hyundai Elantra is recorded on five surveillance cameras in Pullman, WA.The first camera captures it at 1300 Johnson Road, Pullman, WA. It is seen traveling northbound on Johnson Road, which connects to West Palouse River Drive leading back to Moscow, ID.
• 5:27 AM – The vehicle is recorded at multiple WSU Campus locations:
• Northbound on Stadium Way at Nevada Street.
• Stadium Way at Grimes Way.
• Stadium Drive at Wilson Road.
• Stadium Way at Cougar Way.

Notes:

• 1125 Ridge Road footage (3:30 AM) was a key surveillance point linking the vehicle’s route toward the crime scene.
• The white Hyundai Elantra made multiple passes near 1122 King Road before and after the crime.
• The 4:20 AM high-speed departure aligned with the estimated time of the murders.
• Investigators tracked the vehicle back to Pullman, WA, by 5:27 AM, supporting the theory that the suspect returned to WSU campus after the crime.

Cameras:

• 787 Indian Hills Drive, Moscow, Idaho – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 763 Indian Hills Drive, Moscow, Idaho – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 755 Indian Hills Drive, Moscow, Idaho – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 1311 s Main Street, Moscow, ID – Camera time approximately one minute and 43 seconds behind local time.
• 1125 Ridge Road, Apt 108, Moscow, ID – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 1320 Linda Lane, Moscow, ID, 1320 Dumpster – Camera time approximately five seconds behind local time.
• 1112 King Road, Moscow, ID – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 1330 Linda Lane, Moscow, ID 1330 PARKING – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 451 Paradise Drive, Moscow, ID – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 1455 SE Bishop Blvd, Pullman, WA, CH 10, Pullman, WA – Camera time approximately seven seconds behind local time.
• NE Stadium Way at SE Nevada, Pullman, WA Camera time accurate to local time.
• NE Stadium Way at Grimes, Pullman, WA (WSU) – Camera time accurate to local time.
• NE Stadium Way at Wilson Rd, Pullman, (WSU) WA – Camera time accurate to local time.
• NE Stadium, Way at Cougar Way, Pullman, (WSU) WA – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 301 5th Street, Clarkston, WA (Costco) – Camera time accurate to local time.
• 820 Port Drive, Clarkston, WA (U.S. Chef Store) – Camera time approximately one minute behind local time.
• 400 Bridge Street, Clarkston, WA (Albertson’s) – Camera time accurate to local time within one minute.
• 1300 Johnson Avenue, Pullman, WA (E&S Services) – Camera time is approximately one minute and 30 seconds behind local time.

Surveillance of Suspect Vehicle Before the Crime

3:26 AM – 3:30 AM – A white sedan is first spotted traveling westbound on Indian Hills Drive, Moscow, Idaho.

• Captured on cameras at Indian Hills Drive, Styner Avenue, Ridge Road.
• The vehicle crosses Main Street and continues onto Lauder Avenue.

3:30 AM – 3:40 AM – The white sedan makes multiple passes near 1122 King Road.

• Seen at 3:30 AM, 3:33 AM, 3:38 AM, 3:40 AM, 3:56 AM, and 3:58 AM.
• The vehicle turns east onto Queen Road, stops briefly, and turns multiple times.

3:56 AM – 4:04 AM – The white sedan is seen approaching the crime scene for a final time.

• 4:01 AM: A clear image of the vehicle is captured on Ridge Road surveillance (about 0.3 miles from the crime scene).
• 4:04 AM: The vehicle enters the area of 1122 King Road.

Suspected Crime Window

• 4:04 AM – 4:20 AM – Crime occurs inside the residence.
• 4:17 AM: Surveillance from 1112 King Road picks up whimpering sounds, a loud thud, and a barking dog.
• 4:20 AM: The white sedan is seen leaving at a high rate of speed.

Suspect Vehicle Leaving the Area

4:20 AM – 5:30 AM – The suspect vehicle is seen leaving Moscow, Idaho, heading south into Whitman County, Washington.

• Captured returning to Washington State University (WSU) at 5:30 AM.

Suspect Movements:

9:00 AM – Kohberger returned to the area of the crime scene, stayed there for 10 minutes, and then returned to his apartment.

November 25, 2022 – Law Enforcement BOLO Issued

• Moscow Police request that law enforcement be on the lookout for a white Hyundai Elantra (2011-2016 model).

November 29, 2022 – Identification of Kohberger’s Vehicle

• 12:28 AM – Washington State University (WSU) Police Officer Daniel Tiengo searches vehicle registration records.
• Identifies a 2015 white Hyundai Elantra registered to Bryan Kohberger.
• 12:58 AM – WSU Officer Curtis Whitman physically locates Kohberger’s Hyundai Elantra in a WSU parking lot.

December 13-16, 2022 – Cross-Country Travel

• December 13: Kohberger’s vehicle is recorded on a license plate reader in Loma, Colorado.
• December 15: The car is seen in Hancock County, Indiana.
• December 16: Kohberger’s white Elantra arrives in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania (his family home).

December 27-28, 2022 – DNA Evidence Links Kohberger

• December 27: Pennsylvania law enforcement retrieves trash from the Kohberger family home.
• December 28: DNA analysis links DNA on the knife sheath at the crime scene to Kohberger’s father (99.9998% match).

March 17, 2025 – Prosecution Responds to Defense’s Motion

• The State argues that FBI Forensic Examiner Anthony Imel should testify that:
• The suspect vehicle seen in surveillance footage shares class characteristics with a 2014-2015 Hyundai Elantra.

The Defense argues:

• The vehicle was not definitively identified.
• There was no continuous surveillance linking the crime scene to Kohberger’s vehicle.
• The evidence should be excluded as too prejudicial.

The Prosecution counters:

• The sequence of movements is logical and supports Kohberger’s involvement.
• Kohberger’s registered 2015 white Hyundai Elantra was in the area at the time of the murders.
• The jury should be allowed to hear expert testimony on the vehicle.

Records

2022

December 29, 2022

• Criminal Complaint – Formal charges filed initiating the case.
• Affidavit – Sworn probable cause statement.
• Probable Cause Order – Court finds sufficient grounds to proceed.
• Arrest Warrant – Warrant issued for Kohberger’s arrest.

December 30, 2022

• Invocation of Rights – Kohberger asserts his constitutional rights.
• Order Appointing Public Defender – Court assigns legal counsel.
• Limited Notice of Appearance – Attorney enters limited role.
• Motion to Preserve Crime Scene and Evidence – Defense asks to secure scene/evidence.
• Order to Preserve Crime Scene and Evidence – Judge grants preservation.
• Notice – Defendant Arrested in Foreign Jurisdiction – Acknowledgment of arrest in Pennsylvania.

2023

January 5, 2023

• Extradition Hearing – Proceeding to return Kohberger from PA to ID.

February 28, 2023

• Motion to Seal Google Search Warrant – To keep search data confidential.
• Motion to Temporarily Seal Stipulation to Release Property – Request to seal evidence transfer details.

March 24, 2023

• Scheduling Order – Timeline for motions and hearings set.

April 24, 2023

• Protective Order – Limits on disclosure of sensitive material.

May 15, 2023 (183 Days After First Interview):

• D.M. testified before the grand jury.
• She stated she woke up around 4:00 a.m. to noises.
• She heard a man’s voice say, “It’s okay, I’m going to help you.”
• When she opened her door again, she saw a figure in all black, describing the person as: White Male
• Around her height or a few inches taller
• Athletic or lean build (basketball-toned)
• Wearing a black mask that covered part of his head and face.
• She distinctly remembered “bushy eyebrows” but could not recall other facial details.

May 17, 2023:

• A grand jury indicted Kohberger on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary, leading to the cancellation of a previously scheduled preliminary probable cause hearing.

May 19, 2023

• State’s Response to Motion to Compel – Argues against full discovery.

May 22, 2023:

• During his arraignment, Kohberger chose to stand silent rather than enter a plea. Consequently, the judge entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

June 23, 2023

• Motion to Dismiss Indictment – Defense claims indictment errors.

June 26, 2023:

• The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office announced its intention to seek the death penalty against Kohberger, citing aggravating circumstances associated with the first-degree murder charges.
  

June 28, 2023

• Motion to Temporarily Seal Exhibit 1 to State’s Supplemental Response – State seeks sealing of sensitive evidence.

July 13, 2023

• Motion for Change of Venue – Defense cites jury bias from pretrial publicity.

September 9, 2024:

• A judge granted the defense’s motion for a change of venue due to concerns about potential jury bias in Latah County. The trial was relocated to Boise, Idaho, with Judge Steven Hippler presiding.

September 19, 2023

• Order for Closed Hearing – Court seals hearing on motion to dismiss indictment.

October 9, 2024:

• The State filed an Amended Notice Pursuant to Idaho Code §18-4004A, indicating the presence of statutory aggravating circumstances in the first-degree murder charges against Kohberger. This notice is pertinent to the State’s intention to seek the death penalty.
• Judge Hippler scheduled jury selection to commence on July 30, 2025, with the trial set to begin on August 11, 2025.

November 14, 2024:

• The defense submitted a Motion to Suppress and Memorandum in Support concerning an Apple account federal grand jury subpoena and search warrant dated August 1, 2023. The motion challenges the legality of the evidence obtained from Kohberger’s Apple iCloud account, arguing potential violations of his rights.
• Another Motion to Suppress and Memorandum in Support was filed by the defense regarding the first AT&T search warrant. This motion seeks to exclude evidence derived from the initial AT&T records, questioning the procedures and justifications for obtaining such information.

November 20, 2023

• Order Sealing Evidence Transfer for Forensic Evaluation – Transfer details sealed.

November 21, 2024:

• An Amended Order Appointing Special Assistant Attorneys General was issued by the court. This order officially designates additional legal personnel to assist in the prosecution of the case, ensuring that the State’s interests are adequately represented.

December 13, 2024:

• The defense filed a Motion to Unseal Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Suppression Briefing and Hearing. This motion requests the court to make public certain sealed documents and proceedings related to the IGG evidence, which played a role in identifying Kohberger as a suspect.

December 22, 2023

• Motion for Interlocutory Appeal – Defense seeks appeal of pretrial ruling.

January 9, 2024

• Motion to Disqualify Grand Jury – Challenges jury impartiality.

January 22, 2024

• Order Denying Motion to Dismiss – Judge rejects dismissal motion.

February 9, 2024

• Motion to Suppress DNA Evidence – Seeks to exclude DNA obtained via IGG/Franks.

February 28, 2024

• Motion to Seal Expert Reports – Request to protect expert evaluations.

March 22, 2024

• Order Granting Motion to Seal – Court approves sealing motion.

April 18, 2024

• Motion to Strike Aggravating Circumstances – Defense contests death penalty aggravators.

May 10, 2024

• Expert Disclosure (Mental Health) – Includes ASD-related defense materials.

June 13, 2024

• State’s Response to Expert Challenge – Prosecution defends aggravators.

July 24, 2024

• Change of Venue Motion Granted – Trial moved to Ada County.

August 23, 2024

• Motion to Trifurcate Proceedings – Defense requests separation of guilt/penalty phases.

September 12, 2024

• 21st Supplemental Discovery Request – Defense seeks more disclosures.

September 13, 2024

• Sealed Order – Venue Transfer to Ada County – Official case reassignment.

October 24, 2024

• Motion to Compel Sanctions re Discovery – Defense seeks sanctions.

November 14, 2024

• Motion to Exclude Future Dangerousness – Seeks to eliminate this aggravator.

December 19, 2024

• Motion for Protective Order – Seeks limits on sensitive material disclosure.

2025

January 8, 2025:

• Order Sealing Defendants’ Exhibits: The court issued an order sealing the defendant’s exhibits in support of their motions in limine, likely to protect sensitive information.

January 10, 2025

• Motion to Seal Protective Order – Request to keep medical/legal material confidential.

January 15, 2025:

• Protective Order: A protective order was issued, governing the designation, disclosure, and use of medical or other sensitive information pertinent to the case.

 January 22, 2025:

• Order Sealing Defendant’s Supplemental Witness List: The defense’s supplemental witness list for the motions hearing on January 23, 2025, was ordered sealed to prevent potential interference with enforcement proceedings and to protect personal privacy.

January 28, 2025:

• Motion to Seal Exhibit U: The defense filed a motion to seal Exhibit U to their 22nd Supplemental Request for Discovery, citing that the exhibit pertains to testimony from a sealed hearing held on January 23, 2025.

February 4, 2025:

• Notice of Intent to Use Idaho Rule of Evidence 404(b) Evidence: The prosecution filed a notice indicating plans to introduce evidence of prior acts to establish aspects such as the defendant’s identity and vehicle.

February 10, 2025:

• Motion to Extend Rebuttal Expert Deadline: The prosecution requested an extension for their rebuttal expert disclosure deadline, moving it from February 13 to February 17, 2025, to ensure thorough preparation in response to the defense’s expert witness disclosures.

February 11, 2025:

• Motion to Seal Exhibit S-1: The State submitted a motion to seal Exhibit S-1 related to their response to the defendant’s 22nd Supplemental Request for Discovery, aiming to protect details that could impede a fair trial.

February 19, 2025:

• Order on Motions to Suppress: The court issued an order addressing the defendant’s motions to suppress evidence obtained from arrest and search warrants executed in Pennsylvania, including those for the defendant’s apartment and vehicle.

February 20, 2025:

• Order Granting Motion Pro Hac Vice: The court granted a motion allowing attorney Bicka Barlow to join the defense team as co-counsel. Anne Taylor will continue as local counsel, with Elisa G. Massoth serving as trial counsel and Jay Logsdon remaining as consulting counsel.

February 21, 2025:

• Motion in Limine Regarding Alibi: The prosecution filed a motion seeking to restrict the defense from presenting alibi evidence, except through the defendant’s own testimony. This action stems from the defense’s alleged non-compliance with Idaho’s statutory requirements for alibi disclosure, as outlined in Idaho Code § 19-519.

February 24, 2025:

• Motion for Leave to Exceed Page Limit: The defense filed a motion requesting permission to submit motions exceeding the standard page limit due to the complexity of the issues, particularly concerning the death penalty and the defendant’s diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

March 3, 2025:

• Defendant’s Motion for Leave to File Additional Expert Witness Disclosures: The defense sought permission to introduce additional expert witness disclosures, potentially to strengthen their arguments regarding the defendant’s mental health and its implications for the case.

March 4, 2025:

• State’s Motion in Limine Regarding 911 Call: The prosecution filed a motion to admit the 911 call made on the morning of the murders as evidence, arguing its relevance to the case.

March 5, 2025:

• Order on Sealing or Redacting Filings: The court issued an order addressing the sealing or redacting of certain filings, balancing the need for confidentiality with the public’s right to access court records.

March 17, 2025

• Defense Response – Family Members in Courtroom – Opposes restrictions.

March 17, 2025

• Motion to Seal State’s Exhibits re “Bushy Eyebrows” Witness – Seeks to protect witness identity/evidence.

March 24, 2025

• State Reply – Self-Authenticating Records – Supports inclusion of certified records.

April 18, 2025

• Order on Oral Rulings – Motions in Limine – Formal written rulings on evidence motions.

April 24, 2025

• Order Sealing State’s Witness & Exhibit Lists – Witness list and exhibits sealed pretrial.

April 29, 2025

• Order on Death Penalty Procedure Motion – Court clarifies death penalty framework.

June 4, 2025

• State’s Supplemental Discovery – Exhibit S-1 (Sealed) – Additional evidence filed.

June 26, 2025

• Amended Scheduling Order – Adjusted deadlines and hearing dates: Court issues a revised case timeline.
• Redacted Order on Defendant’s Offer of Proof re: Alternate Perpetrators: The court rules (in redacted form) on whether the defense presented sufficient evidence to introduce an alternate perpetrator theory at trial.
• Redacted Memorandum Decision and Order on Defendant’s Motion to Continue: A sealed ruling (partially redacted) on the defense’s request to delay the trial—typically for preparation, discovery issues, or negotiation purposes.
• Order Sealing Exhibit W to Defendant’s 24th Supplemental Request for Discovery: Judge orders Exhibit W to remain under seal, likely due to sensitive investigative or privacy-related content.

June 27, 2025

• Motion to Seal 2nd Notice of Filing Defendant’s Additions/Objections to the Juror Questionnaire The defense requests that their second notice outlining additions or objections to the juror questionnaire be sealed from public view to protect jury selection integrity.

June 30, 2025

• Notice of Hearing for a Plea Hearing – Guilty Plea

June 1, 2025

• Order approving Pool Still Photographs: Court authorizes one still photographer to document courtroom proceedings.

June 2, 2025

• Plea Hearing – Guilty Plea Entered: Kohberger appears in Ada County court and pleads guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary count. The court accepts the plea and removes the death penalty as a sentencing option. Consecutive life sentences imposed.
• New Miscellaneous – Written Factual Basis: Document outlines the factual basis for Kohberger’s guilty plea (e.g., how the murders occurred, supporting evidence).
• Plea Agreement: Formal agreement between Kohberger and the State: Kohberger pleads guilty in exchange for removal of the death penalty and receives life sentences.
• Miscellaneous – Written Factual Basis (duplicate listing, possibly redacted version): Additional or public-facing version of the factual statement used to support the plea.
• Next Step: Sentencing Hearing scheduled for July 23, 2025.

July 14, 2025: Notice from the Court:

• 9:00 AM: The sentencing hearing in State v. Kohberger is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. MT on Wednesday, July 23, at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise.
• Courthouse Hours: The courthouse will open at 7:30 a.m. MT. The courtroom will open approximately 15 minutes before the hearing starts. This hearing is expected to last all day. The court has tentatively scheduled short breaks in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon, along with a 40-minute lunch break.
• Livestream: The hearing will be publicly livestreamed as usual. That stream will also be shown in an overflow room at the courthouse. There are no restrictions on the reuse of the livestream.
• Link:  https://www.youtube.com/@idahofourthdistrictcourt/streams
• Attendance: For those attending in person, public seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until the courtroom is full. No one will be allowed to enter the courtroom while court is in session. To clarify some questions from previous hearings: the court does not maintain a list of individuals waiting to attend a hearing. The people standing in line on the morning of July 23 will have the opportunity to enter the courtroom. For this hearing, please do not reserve spots for others who are not present.
• Courtroom Conduct: Please familiarize yourself with the existing orders governing courtroom conduct and behavior within the broader courthouse. As a reminder, according to these orders, no interviews, recordings, or photographs are permitted inside the courthouse building. Anyone who fails to comply with this restriction will not be allowed in the courtroom.
• Prohibited Items: No glass or large water containers will be allowed in. No overnight Camping.

July 17, 2025

• 10:30 AM: A hearing on the recent motion to vacate the nondissemination order was held over Zoom.
• Gag Order: A judge has officially lifted the gag order in the Bryan Kohberger quadruple murder case. During the hearing, 4th District Judge Steven Hippler ruled that removing the nondissemination order was necessary to uphold the First Amendment rights of the public and the press. Kohberger’s defense team opposed the decision, arguing that lifting the order could increase media coverage and potentially compromise the fairness of the upcoming sentencing proceedings.

Statement from City of Moscow: Source 

• Due to the significant public and media interest in the Kohberger investigation, the City of Moscow will be making some of the investigation reports that have not been sealed by the Court available to the public and media at no cost to enhance access to public information and to reduce the burden on the City’s limited staff when the City is legally able to release these records. Until sentencing is completed, all investigatory records for this case remain protected from release pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 74-105(1), 74-124(1)(a), (b) and 74-124(3). Any public record requests for investigative records that are received by the City before the sentencing has been concluded will be denied. 
• The City will establish a website where investigative reports produced by the Moscow Police Department (MPD) will be posted once the City is legally permitted to begin publicly releasing records. At that point in time, a separate press release will be issued providing the web address and notification to the public that the webpage is available for access.
• Investigative reports and other records created by other law enforcement agencies and entities, such as the Idaho State Police, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Latah County Prosecutor’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pullman Police Department, University of Idaho and Washington State University are the property of those agencies and entities as the custodian of those records. Any request for those records should be directed to those entities. Source

July 23, 2025

• 9:00 AM Sentencing Hearing 
• Link:  https://www.youtube.com/@idahofourthdistrictcourt/streams

August 12, 2025

• the City of Moscow was served notice of a petition to the Latah County District Court for a temporary restraining order and injunction to prevent the release of additional public records related to State of Idaho v. Bryan Kohberger, Latah County Case CR29-22-2805, Ada County Case CR01-24-31665, and MPD Case No. 22-M09903, on behalf of Karen Laramie, the mother of Maddison Mogen. This action followed the recent release of redacted crime scene photos by the City of Moscow in response to a legal public records request Source

August 15, 2025

• Idaho Second District Judge Marshall issued a Temporary Restraining Order prohibiting the City’s release of any images, audio, or video depicting the inside of Maddison Mogen’s bedroom until a hearing on the preliminary injunction may be held. Judge Marshall found that major portions of what had been released did not constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. However, Judge Marshall stated that there are portions of videos and photographs in their redacted form, specifically including unreleased bodycam video, that could constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy at this time.  Source

August 18, 2025

• Moscow released an update: While the Temporary Restraining Order only applied to Maddison Mogen’s bedroom, the City will not provide any further releases of photographs or videos depicting the inside of any of the victims’ bedrooms until the matter is fully reviewed and decided by the Court.  Source

Note: “Invasion of privacy” in this context is about the family’s right not to be forced to endure public exposure of graphic, intimate images of their loved one. It’s a recognition that even though the victim is deceased, their relatives remain vulnerable to emotional harm and humiliation from the release.

Legal:

• No Individual Right After Death
• Legally, once a person has died, they don’t have a personal right to privacy.
• For example, in civil law, defamation claims die with the person; similarly, most privacy rights are extinguished.

Family’s Privacy Interest

• Courts have recognized that families can suffer a “privacy invasion” when graphic or intimate images of their loved one are made public.
• The U.S. Supreme Court addressed this in National Archives v. Favish (2004): the Court held that surviving family members have their own privacy interest in preventing disclosure of death-scene photos of their relative.
• That principle has been followed in other cases involving autopsy photos, crime scene videos, and bodycam footage.

Government Interest in Dignity and Decency

• Some courts also emphasize the government’s role in protecting human dignity and preventing unnecessary trauma.
• The idea is that releasing highly sensitive death-scene records serves little public interest but causes real harm to surviving families and undermines respect for the deceased.