At a Glance
- Bryan Kohberger was convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students.
- The killings occurred on November 13, 2022 and involved a total of 150 stab wounds.
- Evidence left at the scene, including a knife sheath, linked Kohberger to the crime.
- He now faces four life sentences and avoids the death penalty.
The brutal murders of four University of Idaho students on the night of November 13, 2022 have drawn a final legal resolution. After a complex investigation, the killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Victim Overview
The victims were students in the same residence hall: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The autopsy reports, released in a supplemental filing, detail a staggering total of 150 stab wounds inflicted on the four bodies. Each victim suffered a different number of injuries:
- Goncalves: 38 stabs
- Mogen: 28 stabs
- Kernodle: 67 stabs
- Chapin: 17 stabs
The victims were found in various rooms of the dorm. Goncalves and Mogen were discovered together in Mogen’s bedroom, while Chapin and Kernodle were located in Kernodle’s room, with Chapin in the bed and Kernodle on the floor.
Autopsy Findings
The supplemental filing provides a detailed account of the injuries sustained by each victim. The following table summarizes the key findings:
| Victim | Location of Body | Total Stab Wounds | Notable Additional Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaylee Goncalves | Mogen’s bedroom | 38 | Blunt-force head injuries, asphyxial injuries, scalp lacerations, nasal fracture |
| Madison Mogen | Mogen’s bedroom | 28 | 13 scalp/face/neck wounds, 5 chest wounds, 10 upper extremity wounds |
| Xana Kernodle | Kernodle’s room | 67 | 23 scalp/face/neck wounds, 7 chest wounds, 4 abdominal wounds, 25 upper extremity wounds |
| Ethan Chapin | Kernodle’s room | 17 | 1 upper chest wound, 4 scalp/face/neck wounds, 6 upper extremity wounds |
Kaylee Goncalves
Goncalves’ autopsy revealed multiple sharp-force injuries and blunt-force trauma. She suffered at least 24 stab wounds to the scalp, face, and neck; 11 to the chest; and three to the upper extremities. Additional injuries included punctures on the outer table of the skull, damage to teeth and tongue, and a hemorrhage into the chest cavities.
Madison Mogen
Mogen’s injuries were confined to the head, face, and chest. The report lists 13 stab incisions to the scalp, face, and neck; five chest wounds; and ten upper extremity wounds. The autopsy also noted lung and liver wounds, perforations of the subclavian vein and artery, and an incision of the nasal septum.
Xana Kernodle
Kernodle was the only victim who fought back. She sustained abrasions and contusions across the head, torso, and limbs. The injuries included 23 scalp/face/neck wounds, seven chest wounds, four abdominal wounds, three back wounds, 25 upper extremity wounds, and five lower extremity wounds. She also had punctures on the outer table of the skull and perforations of the jugular vein, heart, lung, and pulmonary vessels.
Ethan Chapin
Chapin’s injuries were primarily in the upper body. He had one upper chest wound, four scalp/face/neck wounds, six upper extremity wounds, and six lower extremity wounds. The report noted perforations of the jugular vein, subclavian vein, and subclavian artery.
Evidence That Led to the Arrest
Investigators uncovered a key piece of evidence during the body examinations: a knife sheath left by the perpetrator. The sheath was found in Kernodle’s room, likely dropped when she confronted the assailant. DNA recovered from the sheath matched Bryan Kohberger, establishing a direct link between the suspect and the crime scene.
Kohberger’s exit from the residence hall did not go unnoticed. He locked eyes with Dylan Mortensen, a surviving roommate who witnessed the attack. Mortensen’s testimony and the recovered sheath were pivotal in building the case against Kohberger.
Legal Outcome
Facing the evidence, Kohberger entered a guilty plea to four charges of first-degree murder in July. The plea agreement allowed him to avoid the death penalty in exchange for a conviction on all counts. The court sentenced him to four consecutive life terms, ensuring he will never be released.
The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes and the impact on the University of Idaho community. Families of the victims and campus officials have expressed relief that justice has been served.
Key Takeaways
- Bryan Kohberger was found guilty of murdering four students.
- The killings involved a total of 150 stab wounds, with individual counts ranging from 17 to 67.
- A knife sheath left at the scene provided DNA evidence that tied Kohberger to the murders.
- Kohberger will serve four life sentences and is not eligible for parole.
The case underscores the importance of forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony in solving violent crimes. It also highlights the lasting trauma inflicted on the university community and the need for ongoing support for families and survivors.
