Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield

Episode Title: What’s Been Hidden in the Idaho Murders? Matt Murphy Breaks It Down
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Drop Dead Serious, host Ashleigh Banfield engages in a profound discussion with Matt Murphy, a former Orange County prosecutor with extensive experience in high-profile serial killer and murder cases. The focus of their conversation centers on the mysterious Idaho murders, exploring the newly accessible evidence and unraveling the complexities surrounding the case.

Unveiling the Idaho Murders

Ashleigh opens the conversation by highlighting the significance of the Idaho murders case, noting that for the first time since the incidents, thousands of pages of evidence are becoming available after being restricted by a gag order. She emphasizes the importance of this evidence in understanding the depths of the investigation and the potential revelations awaiting the public.

Ashleigh Banfield (00:04): "There is a lot of evidence that the public has not been allowed to see. And to break down what we can expect if or when that gag order is lifted, what's at stake, what surprises might actually be waiting in those files?"

Motive and Behavioral Analysis

Matt Murphy delves into the psychological profile of Bryan Coburger, the accused, drawing parallels with known psychopaths. He discusses the lack of a sexual component in Coburger’s actions, which is atypical compared to most serial killers who often have sexually motivated crimes.

Matt Murphy (03:09): "This has all the hallmarks of a psychopath... Those are going to be really informative. Basically, every single thing that the public has not been allowed to see."

Ashleigh speculates on the possible motivations behind the murders, considering scenarios where Coburger might have initially targeted one victim but ended up killing more due to unforeseen circumstances.

Death Penalty Considerations

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the potential imposition of the death penalty. Matt Murphy shares his insights from his tenure as a prosecutor, explaining the stringent criteria required for death sentences, such as zero doubt of guilt and the presence of aggravating circumstances.

Matt Murphy (14:42): "The murders have to be shocking and brutal where justice essentially demands the ultimate penalty, at least on paper."

Ashleigh questions whether the dynamic would differ if Coburger were sentenced to death row instead of life imprisonment, contemplating the psychological impacts on a psychopath facing execution.

Psychopathy and Lack of Empathy

Matt elaborates on the traits of psychopaths, referencing Dr. Hare’s Hair Psychopathy Checklist and discussing how a fundamental lack of empathy distinguishes these individuals from the general population. He underscores the challenge in envisioning remorse or guilt in such perpetrators.

Matt Murphy (07:22): "These guys really do tend to adjust, and going to prison was part of the calculated risk."

Impact of Online Sleuths and Public Perception

The conversation shifts to the role of online communities and sleuths in shaping public perception. Matt expresses concern over the misinformation spread by groups like the "Pro Burgers," who support Coburger despite overwhelming evidence of his guilt.

Matt Murphy (34:12): "If you are the victim's family in that, that is brutal for them."

Ashleigh highlights the emotional toll on survivors and victim families, criticizing the internet's lack of empathy towards those who endured the horrors of the murders.

Crime Scene Evidence and Forensic Analysis

Ashleigh poses a technical question regarding the forensic evidence, specifically the reported small shoe print of blood outside Dylan Mortensen's room, which seems inconsistent with the violent nature of the crime.

Ashleigh Banfield (43:19): "I don't understand how there could be just one very small tiny shoe print of blood and not a river of evidence..."

Matt responds by discussing possible explanations, drawing from his experience with similar cases, and underscores the uncertainty until official crime scene reports are unsealed.

Victim Impact Statements and Legal Proceedings

The discussion touches on the emotional weight of victim impact statements during sentencing, with Ashleigh pondering whether such statements affect the convicted’s psyche.

Ashleigh Banfield (56:16): "I almost wonder if it's more effective to have a statement read by someone else..."

Matt agrees, explaining that these statements allow families to express their grief directly to the defendant, which can be both cathartic for them and impactful on the sentencing process.

Legal Defense and Appellate Process

Matt provides insights into the role of defense attorneys in capital cases, emphasizing the necessity of a robust defense to uphold the integrity of the judicial system. He discusses the rigorous appellate process for death penalty cases and the challenges faced by defense teams in such high-stakes environments.

Matt Murphy (40:07): "Regardless of how you feel about the case or our system of justice, that is a noble thing to do because they're trying to save somebody's life."

Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

As the episode wraps up, Ashleigh and Matt reflect on the complexities of the case and the broader implications for justice and public safety. Ashleigh expresses her intent to return with Matt for further analysis once more information becomes available, underscoring the ongoing public interest and the necessity for transparency in the judicial process.

Ashleigh Banfield (59:58): "We deserve to know when and how we can be the most safe with our families, our friends and our loved ones."

Matt Murphy (59:58): "Happy to come on anytime, Ashley. I love your show."

Notable Quotes

• Ashleigh Banfield (00:04): "This is one of those conversations that I covet. Super in depth, really, really informative..."

• Matt Murphy (03:09): "This has all the hallmarks of a psychopath... He's obsessed with one of these beautiful young women."

• Ashleigh Banfield (05:20): "Maybe he had a plan that went awry and had to quickly silence witnesses."

• Matt Murphy (07:22): "There's a thing called the Hair Psychopathy Checklist... a classic American psychopath."

• Ashleigh Banfield (11:04): "It sucks to be in a cell... facing 60 years of the same monotony every single day."

• Matt Murphy (14:42): "The cases have to be shocking and brutal where justice demands the ultimate penalty."

• Ashleigh Banfield (34:12): "The cruelty that the Internet leveled upon this poor young woman."

• Matt Murphy (43:19): "Sometimes you're going to get that if you step in the blood."

Key Takeaways

• The Idaho murders case is shedding new light as previously sealed evidence becomes accessible, potentially offering deeper insights into the motive and actions of Bryan Coburger.
• Psychological analysis suggests Coburger exhibits classic psychopathic traits, complicating the understanding of his motivations.
• The decision-making process regarding the death penalty is complex, balancing legal criteria and the emotional weight carried by victim families.
• Online communities play a significant role in shaping public perception, sometimes at the expense of factual accuracy and empathy towards victims.
• Forensic evidence remains a pivotal aspect of criminal investigations, though interpretations can vary until official reports are made public.
• Victim impact statements serve as a crucial emotional outlet for families, influencing sentencing outcomes.
• The appellate process in death penalty cases is rigorous, ensuring that judgments are thoroughly examined, though it can be emotionally taxing for all parties involved.

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a nuanced exploration of a harrowing criminal case, blending legal expertise with empathetic insights into the human aspects of justice. Ashleigh Banfield and Matt Murphy's dialogue underscores the importance of transparency, rigorous investigation, and compassionate understanding in the pursuit of justice.