Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield Episode: Idaho 4 | Inside the Horror: Steve Gonzalez Breaks Open New Details from the Night of the Idaho Student Murders Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling bonus episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield, host Ashleigh Banfield delves deep into the harrowing case of the Idaho student murders at 1122 King Road. Joining her is Steve Gonzalez, the father of Kaylee Gonzalez, one of the victims. Together, they uncover previously undisclosed details that shed new light on the tragic events of that fateful night.

Unveiling the Severity of the Attack

Steve Gonzalez provides a heart-wrenching account of the brutality his daughter endured. He reveals, “...she was beaten very badly by this killer. Struck in the head, in the face multiple times, her nose was broken...” [00:04]. These revelations indicate that the girls not only suffered from knife wounds but were also subjected to severe physical abuse, which could have been fatal in itself.

Detailed Sequence of Events

Ashleigh outlines the timeline based on newly released documents:

• 2:00 AM Girl Chat: The victims—Bethany, Dylan, Maddie, and Kaylee—were gathered in Kaylee's room, contemplating another late-night outing to a food truck. Ashleigh reflects, “...what could have happened if only they had been back before 4 AM...” [00:04].

• Discovery of Zanna’s Body: Contrary to previous beliefs, Zanna’s door was found open. Bethany recounts seeing Zanna lying on the floor, mistakenly thought to be simply passed out. “...they saw Zanna dead... and did not know it was a dead body” [00:04].

• Heightened Fear: The surviving roommates were too terrified to investigate further, leading them to call their friend Hunter for help. Hunter’s fear-driven response culminated in the discovery of Zanna’s body without fully understanding the horror that had transpired [00:04].

Brian Kohberger's Post-Murder Behavior

Steve sheds light on the suspect's suspicious actions following the murders:

• Selfie After the Crime: A selfie taken by Kohberger at 10 AM the day after the murders raises questions about his awareness and nonchalance following the crime [00:04].

• Calling in Sick: According to Steve, Kohberger took the day off from his teaching position the Monday following the murders, which Steve finds highly incriminating [00:04].

Impact on the Gonzalez Family

The Gonzalez family has faced immense challenges beyond their grief:

• Online Harassment: Steve discusses the relentless online attacks they endure, including threats from individuals like a school shooter from Georgia. “...we get a ton of hate just because I'm vocal...people have to pay the ultimate price...” [00:04].

• Communication with Authorities: Initially, the family struggled with limited information due to gag orders. However, Steve acknowledges improvements in communication with the prosecution team, appreciating their efforts to keep them informed [12:21].

The Trial Process and Preparation

As the trial approaches, Steve shares insights into the logistical and emotional preparations:

• Subpoenas and Scheduling: With subpoenas issued, the family is gearing up for jury selection and the subsequent trial phases. “We got subpoenas and they were looking for dates to lock in” [57:34].

• Balancing Family Life: Steve emphasizes the difficulty of juggling family responsibilities with the demands of attending court, highlighting the need for a rotational approach to maintain support within the family [16:14].

Community and Media Influence

The episode delves into the broader implications of media coverage and community response:

• Gag Orders Critique: Ashleigh and Steve criticize the use of gag orders, arguing they often serve to protect the guilty rather than uphold justice. Steve states, “...to protect somebody who's guilty...if the facts of the case...you want to keep it out” [43:37].

• Media’s Role in Justice: Highlighting cases like O.J. Simpson, the discussion underscores the tension between media exposure and fair trial rights, questioning the efficacy of gag orders in ensuring unbiased juror pools [42:55].

Final Reflections and Moving Forward

As the episode concludes, both Ashleigh and Steve reflect on the personal toll of the case:

• Emotional Burden: Steve shares the emotional strain of being at the forefront of the case, constantly seeking justice while dealing with public scrutiny and personal loss. “...nothing's crueler than to be told that you don't get to know what happened to your child” [28:01].

• Hope for Justice: Despite the challenges, there is a steadfast belief in the eventual realization of justice. Steve conveys his unwavering commitment: “I’m not going to take it. I’m going to come forward, and I’m going to keep it fresh” [16:14].

• Support Networks: Ashleigh offers words of empathy and solidarity, acknowledging the unique plight of families navigating such traumatic legal battles. “...I send you a big virtual hug...we all have to remember what this is like for them” [60:30].

Conclusion

This episode of Drop Dead Serious offers an intimate and revealing glimpse into the ongoing quest for justice by the Gonzalez family. Through candid conversations and newfound evidence, Ashleigh Banfield and Steve Gonzalez illuminate the complexities and emotional depths of the Idaho student murders case, underscoring the relentless pursuit of truth amidst adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Gonzalez on his daughter's injuries: “...she was beaten very badly by this killer. Struck in the head, in the face multiple times, her nose was broken...” [00:04]

• Ashleigh on the potential 'what ifs': “...what could have happened if only they had been back before 4 AM...” [00:04]

• Steve on protection from prosecution communication: “There’s been some back and forth a little bit to tell them, you know, prepare us more...” [12:21]

• Steve on his commitment to justice: “I’m not going to take it. I’m going to come forward, and I’m going to keep it fresh” [16:14]

• Steve on online harassment: “We get a ton of hate just because I'm vocal...people have to pay the ultimate price...” [00:04]