Thousands of previously unseen crime scene photographs from the University of Idaho murders were released earlier this year, offering a detailed look inside the Moscow home where four college students were killed in November 2022. The images, which document the brutality of the events, were made public by Idaho State Police in January before being temporarily removed online.
The photos showcase typical student living spaces, including red plastic cups, empty beer cans, books, and scattered clothing. However, hundreds of images also depict the violence that occurred in the early hours of November 13, 2022, with blood-spattered walls, soaked mattresses, and overturned furniture suggesting the victims may have fought back. Pools of blood are visible throughout the home, on floors, walls, furniture, rugs, and personal items like cellphones and laptops.
The victims—Madison 'Maddie' Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20—were stabbed to death. Bryan Kohberger, then a 31-year-old criminology PhD student, was later convicted in their deaths. A motive has not been officially stated.
Investigators believe Kohberger entered the three-story rental house through an unlocked back door around 4 a.m. He allegedly first went to the third floor, where Mogen and Goncalves were sharing a bed. Evidence at the scene included Kohberger's leather knife sheath, found in Mogen's room, which contained DNA linking him to the crime. Forensic analysis of the sheath was a critical piece of evidence in his conviction.
While Mogen and Goncalves were being attacked, Kernodle was reportedly in the kitchen with a DoorDash delivery. Investigators theorize that she may have heard the commotion and gone upstairs, potentially encountering Kohberger as he left Mogen's room, leading him to abandon the knife sheath. Kohberger then allegedly proceeded to Kernodle's bedroom, where she was fatally stabbed. Her boyfriend, Chapin, who was in her bed, was also killed. Photographs of Kernodle's room show deep rips in her mattress and overturned furniture, consistent with a struggle.
Idaho State Police stated that the release of the photos complied with Idaho public records laws. The department removed the images after receiving complaints about some showing victims' hair or other body parts. Officials indicated they were reviewing the photos with plans to re-release them.
Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to four life terms without parole. He has not revealed a motive for the killings, nor has the murder weapon, believed to be a Ka-Bar knife, been recovered. He is currently held in isolation at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.
The release of the crime scene photos prompted a statement from the family of victim Kaylee Goncalves, urging empathy and respect. "Please be kind and, as difficult as it is, place yourself outside of yourself and consume the content as if it were your loved one," the family said in a message posted online.