Podcast Summary: 20/20 – "The Crime Scene: New Details in Idaho Murders Case"

Overview

In the March 28, 2025 episode of ABC News' 20/20, titled "The Crime Scene: New Details in Idaho Murders Case," host Brad Milke delves deep into the unsettling quadruple murder case that has gripped Idaho and captivated the nation. Featuring an in-depth interview with ABC News correspondent Kayna Whitworth, the episode uncovers new evidence, including the recently obtained audio from a pivotal 911 call, and explores the developments surrounding the suspect, Brian Kohberger.

1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Brad Milke introducing the "Crime Scene Weekly," a segment dedicated to unraveling the most pressing true crime stories. He sets the stage for the Idaho murders case, highlighting the significance of newly filed prosecutorial documents and the potential impact of these revelations on the ongoing investigation.

Notable Quote:

Brad Milke [01:15]: "For the first time, ABC News has obtained the audio from a 911 call in the Idaho college murders case that shocked the nation."

2. Background of the Idaho Murders

Kayna Whitworth provides a comprehensive background of the case, recounting the tragic events that unfolded in the winter of 2022. Four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Gonzalves, Madison Mogan, Zanna Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were found brutally stabbed to death in a house off King Road.

Notable Quote:

Kayna Whitworth [02:53]: "These four students were generally beloved by everyone that we spoke with, and they were all heavily involved in Greek life as well."

3. The Night of the Crime

Whitworth details the activities of the victims on the night of the murders. The two older students spent time at local bars and late-night eateries, while the younger pair attended a fraternity party. Surveillance footage shows the victims in seemingly ordinary, joyful moments just hours before their untimely deaths.

Notable Quote:

Kayna Whitworth [05:22]: "When you talk to their friends, they all kind of giggled and laughed about how much they miss the girls and these mannerisms that they could see in this video that they love so much."

4. The 911 Call and Delayed Response

A significant focus of the episode is the newly released 911 call audio, which reveals a nearly eight-hour delay between the suspected time of the murders (around 4 AM) and the call to authorities (almost noon). The surviving roommates' frantic attempts to communicate their distress are highlighted, raising questions about the prolonged period of inaction.

Notable Quote:

Kayna Whitworth [10:10]: "It doesn't make sense to us why there would be this nearly eight-hour gap in between someone seeing someone in the house, hearing all of that stuff, and finally alerting 911."

5. Identification and Arrest of Brian Kohberger

The podcast delves into the manhunt that led to the arrest of Brian Kohberger, a former Ph.D. student at Washington State University. Using investigative genetic genealogy, authorities linked Kohberger to DNA found on a knife sheath left at the crime scene. The episode discusses the controversial methods used in this identification and the subsequent arrest.

Notable Quote:

Kayna Whitworth [23:21]: "Now this is a capital case. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty."

6. Legal Challenges and Defense Arguments

Kohberger's defense team has raised several objections, including the manner in which evidence was collected and the potential bias introduced by Kohberger's autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They argue that his mannerisms could unfairly influence the jury's perception, and they challenge the validity of the DNA evidence, suggesting the possibility of evidence tampering.

Notable Quote:

Kayna Whitworth [27:09]: "The defense is arguing that this key piece of evidence, this knife sheath, could have been planted at the scene by the real perpetrator."

7. Late Breaking Developments: Kohberger’s Criminology Assignment

In a surprising twist, ABC News obtained details from a recent court filing revealing Kohberger's criminology homework assignment from DeSales University. The assignment eerily mirrors aspects of the Idaho crime scene, showcasing detailed knowledge of crime scene analysis and behavioral profiling. This revelation raises questions about Kohberger's potential involvement and premeditation.

Notable Quote:

Kayna Whitworth [31:51]: "He also uses the words crimes of passion are rooted in emotionality and impulsivity. And... it's part of their final. This is part of their responsibility."

8. Implications and Future Outlook

The episode concludes by contemplating the implications of the new evidence on Kohberger's upcoming trial, slated to begin in August. With prosecutors seeking the death penalty and the defense mounting robust challenges, the case remains complex and highly contentious. Whitworth emphasizes the need for thorough analysis as the trial approaches, highlighting the evolving nature of the investigation.

Notable Quote:

Kayna Whitworth [29:02]: "I think we just finally have a lot of information now, and I think we have a lot more information than we thought we would have."

9. Additional True Crime Stories

Towards the end, Brad Milke briefly touches on other true crime stories, including:

• The murder charge against a woman in the death of Telemundo sports reporter Adam Mansano.
• An incident at an Antarctic research base involving a man accused of attacking colleagues.
• The presumed drowning of University of Pittsburgh student Shedixa Kanaki during spring break in the Dominican Republic.

These segments provide a broader context of ongoing true crime investigations featured in the podcast.

Conclusion

This episode of 20/20 offers a meticulously detailed exploration of the Idaho murders case, presenting new evidence and fostering a deeper understanding of the complex investigation surrounding Brian Kohberger. Through insightful interviews and the presentation of critical developments, the podcast equips listeners with comprehensive knowledge of one of the most perplexing true crime cases of recent times.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brad Milke [01:15]: "For the first time, ABC News has obtained the audio from a 911 call in the Idaho college murders case that shocked the nation."

• Kayna Whitworth [02:53]: "These four students were generally beloved by everyone that we spoke with, and they were all heavily involved in Greek life as well."

• Kayna Whitworth [05:22]: "When you talk to their friends, they all kind of giggled and laughed about how much they miss the girls and these mannerisms that they could see in this video that they love so much."

• Kayna Whitworth [10:10]: "It doesn't make sense to us why there would be this nearly eight-hour gap in between someone seeing someone in the house, hearing all of that stuff, and finally alerting 911."

• Kayna Whitworth [23:21]: "Now this is a capital case. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty."

• Kayna Whitworth [27:09]: "The defense is arguing that this key piece of evidence, this knife sheath, could have been planted at the scene by the real perpetrator."

• Kayna Whitworth [31:51]: "He also uses the words crimes of passion are rooted in emotionality and impulsivity. And... it's part of their final. This is part of their responsibility."

• Kayna Whitworth [29:02]: "I think we just finally have a lot of information now, and I think we have a lot more information than we thought we would have."