A new three-part Netflix docuseries, "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare," delves into the November 13, 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. Directed by Skye Borgman and produced by Joe Berlinger, the series aims to focus on the victims—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—rather than the accused. The students were fatally stabbed in an off-campus house, with their bodies discovered the following morning.
The docuseries begins with the morning of November 13, chronicling the 911 call that led Moscow police to the residence. Two surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, reportedly heard a disturbance around 4:30 a.m. but did not call for help until approximately seven hours later, after enlisting the assistance of friends. One friend discovered two of the victims, Kernodle and Chapin, leading police to find Goncalves and Mogen on the third floor.
Interviews with friends and family members recount how they learned of the students' deaths. The series touches upon the relationships between the victims, describing Kernodle and Chapin as an "annoyingly cute" couple and noting that Mogen and Goncalves had been friends since childhood.
This is not the first project to examine the case. "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" follows other documentaries such as "One Night In Idaho: The College Murders," "#Cybersleuths: The Idaho Murders," and "The Idaho Student Murders" on Peacock. While the filmmakers have stated this series provides a different perspective by concentrating on the victims, its narrative structure, particularly in the initial episode, closely resembles that of "One Night In Idaho."
The series incorporates bodycam footage from the Moscow Police Department and interviews with law enforcement officials. Viewers unfamiliar with previous examinations of the case may find "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" offers a compelling look at the victims' lives, the investigation, and the impact the killings had on the university community and their loved ones. However, those who have seen earlier documentaries may find little new information presented.
Jeff Kernodle, the father of Xana Kernodle, is highlighted for his emotional recounting of learning about his daughter's death. The series contains no explicit content related to sex or nudity. The production team is credited for securing extensive law enforcement footage, including bodycam and interview recordings.