Podcast Summary: 20/20 – "The King Road Killings BONUS: The 911 Call"

Release Date: March 15, 2025
Host/Author: ABC News
Episode: The King Road Killings BONUS: The 911 Call

Introduction

In this bonus episode of ABC News' "20/20," host Kena Whitworth delves deeper into the harrowing case known as the King Road Killings. With Bryan Kohberger's trial looming just five months away, newfound transparency has begun to emerge, shedding light on previously sealed court documents and, notably, the first-ever public release of the critical 911 call made seven hours after the tragic murders.

Overview of the Case

Bryan Kohberger stands accused of the brutal killings of Kaylee Gonzalez, Madison Mogan, Zanna Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin on King Road, Moscow, Idaho. Initially handled by Judge John Judge, the case has recently seen a significant shift in both venue and judicial oversight, moving from Moscow to Boise under the new jurisdiction of Judge Steven Hippler.

Shift of Venue and New Judge

The relocation of the trial from Moscow to Boise marked a pivotal change, bringing in Judge Steven Hippler, who has expressed frustration over the previous handling of the case. Judge Hippler criticized both the prosecution and defense for attempting to seal numerous documents, arguing that such secrecy infringes upon the public's First Amendment rights to be informed. He stated:

“[Judge Hippler]: ...the prosecution and defense have been trying to seal so much of the material that will be presented in court... this is some of the information that the public, that the journalists and frankly, the families have been waiting so long to hear.”
– [28:10]

Released 911 Call

A cornerstone of this episode is the detailed examination of the newly released 911 call made at 11:55 AM, over seven hours after the murders occurred between 4:00 and 4:20 AM. This call provides a raw and emotional glimpse into the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

The Call Transcript

The episode presents the full 911 call, highlighting the desperation and chaos experienced by the callers. Listeners hear multiple voices, frustration from the dispatcher, and the urgent attempts to assist a collapsed roommate, Zanna Kernodle.

Analysis by Julie Scott

ABC News contributor Julie Scott offers her insights after hearing the call:

“The 911 call is truly astonishing and emotional, and it puts you back in that scene... you hear different people on the call and the dispatcher clearly getting frustrated... It shakes me. It's one thing to read it. It's another to hear it.”
– [08:52]

Scott emphasizes the call's ability to convey the fear and confusion of those involved, providing a visceral connection to the events that unfolded.

Text Message Correspondence

The episode also explores the exchange of text messages between the surviving roommates during the critical hours. These messages reveal the timeline and the roommates' attempts to reach out to each other amidst the unfolding tragedy.

“We have a timeline now with the verbatim of text messages coming back and forth between 4 and 4:30, roughly... it shakes me.”
– Julie Scott, [12:11]

DNA Evidence

A significant development discussed is the DNA evidence linking Kohberger to the crime scene. Prosecutors assert that Kohberger's DNA was found on the knife sheath beneath Madison Mogan, a key piece of evidence obtained through investigative genetic genealogy.

Additional DNA Findings:

• Three unidentified male DNA profiles were discovered:
  • Blood on a handrail between the first and second floors.
  • DNA on a glove outside the home.
  • A mixed DNA sample beneath Madison's fingernails containing three separate profiles.

Defense Arguments on DNA Evidence

The defense team challenges the significance of the mixed DNA found under Madison's fingernails, arguing its inconclusive nature:

“...when he touches an object, his skin cells don't flake off at the same rate that yours do... if Bryan Kohberger's DNA is not under their fingernails, they've got a pretty decent argument there.”
– Kena Whitworth, [24:00]

This strategic move aims to cast doubt on the prosecution's DNA claims, suggesting that the presence of multiple DNA profiles complicates the link to Kohberger.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Defense Argument

In a groundbreaking development, Kohberger's defense has filed a motion to exclude the death penalty, citing Kohberger's Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a mitigating factor. This argument is multifaceted:

1. Non-Culpability Due to ASD:

   • The defense argues that Kohberger's ASD diminishes his culpability, making him ineligible for the death penalty.

2. Impact on Sentencing Phase:

   • They suggest that Kohberger's ASD could hinder his ability to effectively defend himself during the sentencing phase, potentially swaying the jury's perception.

3. Media Influence:

   • Concerns are raised about media portrayals and social media influence creating a biased narrative against Kohberger.

Julie Scott provides a detailed explanation:

“The defense is saying that the surviving roommate was sufficiently consistent with the important points about the description of the man in black.”
– Julie Scott, [16:00]

Furthermore, Judge Hippler acknowledged the validity of the defense's concerns regarding Kohberger's ASD:

“...this roommate had given many interviews and that they essentially told the same version of the same story... her own statements about her memory or the effects of alcohol were not enough to doubt her reliability.”
– [17:34]

Judge Hippler's Commitment to Transparency

Judge Hippler has taken a definitive stance towards ensuring transparency in the trial proceedings. His approach contrasts sharply with his predecessor, aiming to balance Kohberger's rights with the public's interest:

“...the families, the media, just the case in general, the public saw how the information was rolling out and said, okay, we need a new change of course.”
– Kena Whitworth, [28:49]

Future of the Case

As the trial approaches, several key developments loom:

• Death Penalty Motion: The defense's late-stage introduction of the ASD argument could significantly impact sentencing if Kohberger is found guilty.

• Execution Methods: Idaho's Governor Brad Little has signed a bill making firing squad the primary method of execution, set to take effect in July 2026, adding another layer of complexity to the potential sentencing outcomes.

• Trial Proceedings: With increased transparency, upcoming filings and witness testimonies are expected to provide further clarity, potentially reshaping public perception and legal strategies.

Conclusion

This bonus episode of "20/20" offers an in-depth exploration of the King Road Killings case, emphasizing recent revelations that could influence Bryan Kohberger's trial. From the emotional 911 call to intricate DNA evidence debates and the nuanced introduction of ASD as a defense strategy, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the unfolding legal battle. As the nation watches closely, the commitment to transparency under Judge Hippler heralds a potentially transformative phase in this high-profile case.

Notable Quotes:

“The 911 call is truly astonishing and emotional, and it puts you back in that scene...”
– Julie Scott, [08:52]

“[Judge Hippler]: ...the prosecution and defense have been trying to seal so much of the material that will be presented in court...”
– [28:10]

“...when he touches an object, his skin cells don't flake off at the same rate that yours do...”
– Kena Whitworth, [24:00]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting critical discussions, insights, and the multifaceted nature of the ongoing legal proceedings.