Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield: Episode Summary

Episode Title: New Docs Reveal HORROR Inside 1122 King - Then Steve Goncalves Called Mid-Recording | Idaho Murders
Release Date: July 25, 2025

Trigger Warning:
This episode contains graphic descriptions of violent crimes and sensitive discussions about true crime events, including multiple murders. Listener discretion is advised.

Introduction to New Investigative Documents

In this particularly intense episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield, Ashleigh delves into newly released documents concerning the horrific murders at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho. These documents, recently made public following the lifting of a two-and-a-half-year gag order, shed new light on the investigation into Brian Kohberger's crimes, where four young lives were brutally taken.

Ashleigh Banfield ([00:39]):
"This is going to be a little bit rough. It's not a super polished podcast, so I apologize for that."

Lack of Clear Connection Between Kohberger and the Victims

One of the most unsettling revelations from the new documents is the police's admission that they have not established a clear motive or connection between Brian Kohberger and his victims. Despite extensive investigations, no evidence has emerged to indicate whether he stalked the victims, had personal grievances, or any other direct link.

Ashleigh Banfield ([00:57]):
"One of the biggest things for me was that they had to admit that they don't know the connection between Bryan Kohberger and these kids."

Crime Scene Details and Autopsy Findings

The episode provides a harrowing account of the crime scene. Autopsy results reveal the sheer brutality of the murders, with victims like Kaylee Gonzalez being stabbed over 30 times and others subjected to similar savage attacks. The medical examiner confirmed that all fatal injuries were inflicted by a single weapon—a KA Bar knife—though there are indications of additional blunt force trauma.

Ashleigh Banfield ([38:15]):
"Zanna was stabbed more than 50 times. It's worse than I thought. He was in a frenzy in that house."

Inmate Accounts of Kohberger's Behavior

Ashleigh shares insights from interviews with Kohberger's fellow inmates, painting a picture of a disturbed individual. One inmate described Kohberger as "the smartest person he'd met in jail, but also obsessive," highlighting his meticulous nature and obsessive tendencies.

Inmate Quote ([56:08]):
"If it weren't for legal consequences, I would have assaulted him."

Victims' Experiences and Prior Security Concerns

The discussion turns to the victims' experiences leading up to the murders, revealing multiple instances where the students felt unsafe. Reports indicate that Kaylee Gonzalez had reported being followed and saw a shadowy figure near their residence, raising questions about whether these incidents were related to Kohberger's actions.

Ashleigh Banfield ([44:20]):
"Multiple incidents reported by friends. A witness described as Jay told investigators she had heard from others that Kaylee once saw a strange man behind the house while taking Murphy, her dog, out to pee."

Police and Prosecutor Frustrations

Steve Gonzalez, father of one of the victims, expresses profound frustration with the police investigation and the prosecutorial approach. He criticizes the handling of evidence, the communication of information, and accuses the prosecutor of prioritizing the university's reputation over justice for the victims.

Steve Gonzalez ([53:36]):
"For you to go and say that it wasn't motivated, really, it insulted so many people..."
Steve Gonzalez ([58:32]):
"They didn't waste a minute. They processed him in and got him in there last night."

Steve Gonzalez's Personal Insights and Emotional Struggles

In a poignant mid-episode phone call, Steve Gonzalez shares his feelings of betrayal and exhaustion. He recounts a three-hour meeting with detectives where he felt sidelined from essential information, leading to inaccuracies in initial victim statements. His anguish is palpable as he grapples with the incomplete and delayed release of critical documents.

Steve Gonzalez ([54:12]):
"We said give it to us first, and they did. And if you guys got it before we did, just like you of I got the murders before we did."

Latest Developments and Future Investigations

Ashleigh concludes the episode by touching on ongoing investigations, including cell phone data showing Kohberger’s presence near the crime scene multiple times before the murders. Additionally, she highlights a Reddit survey created by Kohberger, which investigated the psychological traits influencing criminal decision-making, further deepening the mystery surrounding his motives.

Ashleigh Banfield ([63:46]):
"His phone pinged near the crime scene at least 12 times. All but one of those pings occurred in the late evening or early morning hours."

Closing Remarks

Ashleigh empathetically addresses the families affected by the tragedy, expressing her continued commitment to uncovering the truth as more documents are unveiled. She acknowledges the emotional toll of reporting on such cases and extends her support to those grieving.

Ashleigh Banfield ([65:03]):
"I do want to let you know that I stopped down for a short minute and I talked to him off air. He told me something that he has heard, which is pretty big... It makes him feel better knowing that the guards have his number."

Conclusion

This episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield offers a deep dive into the complexities and ongoing frustrations surrounding the Bryan Kohberger case. Through detailed examination of newly released documents, candid interviews, and emotional testimonies from victims' families, Ashleigh provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case's current state and the lingering questions that remain.

Remember:
For more in-depth coverage and updates on this and other true crime stories, subscribe to Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield and join Ashleigh every Thursday for her latest episodes.