Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield

Episode: Breaking: Idaho Student Murders FULL 911 Call | What We Now Know

Release Date: March 15, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping bonus episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield, Ashleigh delves deep into the enigmatic and tragic student murder case from Moscow, Idaho. With over 36 years of true crime reporting under her belt, Ashleigh brings her signature irreverent style to dissect the recently released 911 call transcript, shedding light on the events that unfolded on that fateful morning. This episode offers listeners an in-depth analysis of the case, piecing together clues from the call and exploring potential theories surrounding the mysterious circumstances.

Release of the 911 Call Transcript

After two and a half years shrouded in secrecy and under a gag order, a pivotal breakthrough emerged this week with the release of the actual 911 call transcript related to the Moscow, Idaho student murder case. Ashleigh emphasizes the significance of this release:

Ashleigh Banfield [00:04]: "I've been waiting two and a half years to figure out what the heck is under the gag order. There has been so much secrecy in this case."

This transcript offers unprecedented insight into the panic and confusion experienced by the individuals on the call, particularly highlighting the voices of Dylan Mortensen—the primary caller—and the surrounding chaos involving neighbors and potentially other parties at the scene.

Detailed Analysis of the 911 Call

Initial Panic and Confusion

Ashleigh begins by playing the full 911 call, which lasts 4 minutes and 20 seconds. She meticulously breaks down each segment, identifying key moments and potential clues.

Ashley Banfield [00:04]: "You can completely hear the panic and the terror in Dylan's voice."

The call kicks off with Dylan reporting an emergency at their residence:

Dylan Mortensen [01:52]: "Hi. Something is happening. Something's happened to help. We don't know what."

Ashleigh interprets this initial statement as Dylan grappling with understanding the gravity of the situation, possibly fearing for her roommate Zanna's safety.

Address Verification and Circumstances

The dispatcher seeks to establish the exact location, leading to clarifications about the address and the nature of the residence. Dylan mentions:

Dylan Mortensen [02:23]: "1122 King Road."

Ashleigh notes the presence of neighbors attempting to assist:

Dylan Mortensen [02:28]: "We live at the White, so we're next to them."

This indicates that multiple people are involved, potentially providing differing perspectives on the unfolding events.

Emerging Details of the Incident

As the call progresses, Dylan reveals more troubling information:

Dylan Mortensen [02:51]: "One of our. One of the roommates has passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up."

However, Ashleigh points out inconsistencies:

Ashleigh Banfield [06:00]: "This does not sound like we've seen a bloodbath. And there's four dead people. This really sounds more like the female neighbor and Dylan are freaking out because they can't get through Zanna's door."

This discrepancy suggests that the reality of the situation is far more dire than initially conveyed.

Dispatcher's Focus on Immediate Crisis

The dispatcher consistently attempts to redirect the conversation to the present emergency:

911 Dispatcher [03:05]: "What is the address of the emergency?"

Ashleigh Banfield [03:12]: "The dispatcher doesn't wanna know about last night. She's like, stop, we have a crisis now. I need to save a patient now."

This focus underscores the critical nature of the immediate situation, potentially overshadowing past events that may hold answers to the mystery.

Heightened Tensions and Possible Homicide Indicators

Towards the end of the call, tensions escalate as another male voice interjects:

Male Voice [05:16]: "Get out. Get out. Let's get out."

Ashleigh hypothesizes that this individual, identified by Kayla Gonzalez's family as Hunter Johnson—a fraternity brother of Ethan—is a significant figure in the case:

Ashleigh Banfield [07:47]: "I think the guy who said, get out, get out, get out, get out... has something to do with it."

This abrupt assertion hints at potential foul play and aligns with later transcript notes indicating:

First Responder (Transcript): "I think we have a homicide."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ashleigh Banfield [00:04]:

  "I've been waiting two and a half years to figure out what the heck is under the gag order."

• Dylan Mortensen [02:51]:

  "One of our... one of the roommates has passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up."
  (Timestamp: 02:51)

• 911 Dispatcher [03:05]:

  "What is the address of the emergency?"
  (Timestamp: 03:05)

• Male Voice [05:16]:

  "Get out. Get out. Let's get out."
  (Timestamp: 05:16)

• First Responder (Transcript):

  "I think we have a homicide."
  (Post-call transcript)

Ashleigh's Theoretical Framework

Ashleigh meticulously pieces together the call, proposing that the events described are much more sinister than initially apparent. She theorizes that the inability to access Zanna and the presence of a mysterious male figure suggest a combination of personal distress and violent intrusion:

Ashleigh Banfield [06:00]: "It is way worse than we thought. It is a virtual bloodbath up there."

She further speculates that the male voice's urgency to "get out" may be an attempt to conceal the gravity of the situation or expedite the arrival of law enforcement without drawing attention from potential onlookers or other parties involved.

Implications and Future Insights

Ashleigh anticipates that the upcoming trial will provide more clarity, especially with Dylan expected to testify alongside testimonies from officers on the scene. She underscores the importance of the released transcript in understanding the true sequence of events and the emotional turmoil experienced by those involved.

Ashleigh Banfield [07:47]: "But I think this is extraordinary, extraordinarily telling."

Engagement and Community Involvement

Towards the episode's conclusion, Ashleigh invites listeners to engage with the podcast by sharing their theories and suggesting future topics. She also highlights another recent episode featuring a body language expert analyzing Lori Valo's interactions with Keith Morrison of Dateline, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to exploring various facets of true crime.

Ashleigh Banfield [07:47]: "I want to hear what your theories are about this as well."

Conclusion

This episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield serves as a compelling deep dive into the Moscow, Idaho student murder case, leveraging the newly released 911 call transcript to unearth potential truths obscured by years of secrecy. Ashleigh's insightful analysis not only deciphers the frantic emotions captured in the call but also raises pivotal questions about the events leading to the tragedy. As the case progresses towards trial, listeners are left with a heightened sense of intrigue and anticipation for further revelations.

Additional Resources

• Latest Episode on Lori Valo:

  Dive into Ashleigh's discussion with a military-grade body language expert analyzing Lori Valo's interview with Keith Morrison of Dateline. Available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.

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Remember, in the quest for truth, Ashleigh Banfield ensures that justice isn't just sought—it's drop dead serious.