Podcast Summary: Murder Sheet

Episode: The University of Idaho Murders: First Person — Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Josh Hurwit

Date: September 2, 2025
Hosts: Áine Cain (A), Kevin Greenlee (B)
Guest: Josh Hurwit (C), Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Overview

This episode of the Murder Sheet features a rare, in-depth interview with Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Josh Hurwit, who joined the prosecution team in the University of Idaho murders case after stepping down as U.S. Attorney for Idaho. Hurwit provides detailed insights into the legal strategy, collaboration among law enforcement agencies, handling high-profile cases under public scrutiny, jury selection plans, plea negotiations, and the challenges — both personal and professional — inherent in prosecuting one of Idaho’s most notorious crimes. The discussion is frank, nuanced, and at times, emotionally charged, offering a unique first-person perspective on the pursuit of justice in a case that shook a community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Josh Hurwit's Legal Background and Role in the Case

[05:56-07:46]

• Hurwit details his journey from Harvard Law School through various high-level legal positions to becoming U.S. Attorney for Idaho, and eventually, joining the University of Idaho murders prosecution.
  • Quote:
    “I was gainfully unemployed…when I got the call from Bill and Ashley...they needed another attorney on the case. And I jumped at that opportunity for a variety of reasons.” — Josh Hurwit [07:36]
• Past experience in prosecuting complex crimes, financial fraud, drug cartels, child sexual abuse, and hate crimes.
  • Quote:
    “Fentanyl was one of the things…tearing families and communities apart. So we built relationships with local law enforcement…to make a difference.” — Hurwit [11:19]

2. Legal Collaboration and Team Dynamics

[12:19-14:12; 22:34-26:06]

• The seamless collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies was a hallmark of both the investigation and the prosecution.
  • Quote:
    “We’re very collaborative…The Coburger case also reflects this. My goal…wasn’t to do something flashy…it was, what does Idaho need?” — Hurwit [10:29]
• The prosecution team: Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, Deputy Ashley Jennings, Jeff Nye (State AG’s office), and key paralegals Kim Workman, Stacy Osterberg, Mallory Strigel.
  • Quote:
    “They were also changed by this case forever…ran towards the danger, not away from it.” — Hurwit [22:43]

3. Hurwit’s Motivation and Transition to the Case

[14:12-15:37]

• Hurwit accepted the role hoping to serve justice for both professional fulfillment and a sense of civic duty.
  • Quote:
    “The harm, the horror…most people, if they had the chance to help serve justice in a case like this, they would. It was a no brainer for me.” — Hurwit [14:44]

4. Challenges of the Case: Complexity, Emotional Toll, and Evidence Review

[18:31-21:00]

• The volume and nature of evidence was daunting—this was Hurwit’s first murder case and first state court case in Idaho.
  • Quote:
    “…my first murder case. It was my first state court case in Idaho…But the process is the same…learn everything you can about what happened…” — Hurwit [19:31]
• Emotional impact of reviewing graphic material: “Everyone who worked on this case…dedicated themselves to seeking justice knowing full well that they would be forever changed…” — Hurwit [21:07]

5. Jury Selection and Trial Strategy

[26:06-30:11]

• A massive jury pool (10,000+), extensive questionnaires, careful weeding out of those who might have bias from media saturation or strong views on capital punishment.
  • Quote:
    “The plan…was to call in 10,000 potential jurors…to help the attorneys…select a jury…what do you know about this case? What are your opinions?” — Hurwit [26:14]
• Division of labor by geography and topic, but with intentional overlap for collaborative strategy.
  • “You want more than one mind on one issue…collaborative strategy rather than just saying, okay, you’re the cell phone guy…” — Hurwit [29:09]

6. Media Scrutiny, Internet Sleuths, and Social Media “Circus”

[30:56-33:01]

• The team intentionally ignored internet commentary, focusing solely on the evidence and court proceedings.
  • Quote:
    “The internet sleuths can do their thing, and we do our thing with real evidence…We had no real issue pushing that aside.” — Hurwit [31:36]
• Only the Dateline leak was cited as a media event that truly impacted the courtroom.

7. Plea Negotiations and Defense

[33:01-36:24]

• Defense was “zealous,” filing all requisite motions.
• The plea agreement (life sentences, no parole, no appeal) was ultimately initiated after a judge’s form prompted the defense to query prosecution.
  • Quote:
    “If that’s something he wants to do, let us know. And then it became clear that’s what he was willing to do. The offer was made, discussions with families occurred…” — Hurwit [34:30]
• Secrecy and speed of plea were necessary to prevent tainting the jury pool and ensure focus.
• Hurwit was surprised by the outcome—“I joined the case expecting the trial and gearing up for trial…that was my full focus.” [36:30]

8. The Absence of a “Why”: Motive and Defendant’s Explanation

[37:22-41:33]

• The legal system rarely compels an explanatory confession; the team doubted anything useful or truthful would come from it.
  • Quote:
    “Knowing what we knew…there’s nothing we felt would come out of his mouth that would be the truth or would be helpful to anyone.” — Hurwit [39:46]
• Hurwit sees the search for a motive as ultimately futile:
  • “No one would do this for any reason that has any rationality to it…there isn’t a…neat, wrapped-up-in-a-bow explanation…” [40:33]

9. Observations in Court and Sentencing

[41:33-45:37]

• Koberger: “Flat affect…just doesn’t have normal human emotions…which matches with what he did.” [41:56]
• Sentencing was deeply emotional; Hurwit, like others in court, was visibly affected.
  • “It was a gut-wrenching day as part of a gut-wrenching case…I was reaching for Kleenex at times…” — Hurwit [43:00]
• Families, even those who disagreed on the plea, ultimately showed unity and respect for the prosecution’s work.

10. Enduring Lessons: Collaboration and Community Healing

[46:29-49:31]

• The Idaho model of law enforcement collaboration was critical:
  • “No one’s ego got in the way of the ultimate mission. That’s less common…than we’d like…” — Hurwit [48:46]
• Release of records: Transparency balanced against privacy for survivors, families, and wrongly suspected individuals.

11. Survivors, Victims, and Community

[51:32-54:04]

• Hurwit expresses deep empathy and admiration for the two surviving roommates and the victims’ families.
  • “They have just inspired me…I’m sure everyone who worked on this case…with what they’ve gone through and how they’ve been able to honor the lives and turn…I’m sure it has to be anger…into positive emotions and hopefully healing…” — Hurwit [52:34]
• Reminds listeners of the vibrant lives lost and the unique community built by the students.

12. Personal Impact

[54:04-55:41]

• The trauma of prosecuting such a horrific case lingers; Hurwit acknowledges the mental health toll of such work.
  • “It’s traumatic…now I kind of understand a little bit more about the mental health for people that work in law enforcement and in prosecution…” — Hurwit [54:24]
• “True crime is fine, but it needs to be within the context of honoring the lives involved.” — Hurwit [55:26]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Joining the Case:
  “The harm, the horror…for a case like this…it was a no brainer for me.” — Hurwit [14:44]

• On the Goal of Prosecution:
  “My goal as a U.S. attorney wasn’t to do something flashy…it was, what does Idaho need from the U.S. Attorney’s office?” — Hurwit [10:29]

• On Evidence Review:
  “Everyone who worked on this case…selflessly dedicated themselves to seeking justice, knowing full well that they would be forever changed by what…they were seeing.” — Hurwit [21:07]

• On Motive:
  “No one would do this for any reason that has any rationality to it, because there is no rational reason that anyone could ever imagine…” — Hurwit [40:33]

• On Courtroom Observations:
  “Flat affect…doesn’t have normal human emotions which matches with what he did.” — Hurwit [41:56]

• On Media and Social Media:
  “The internet sleuths can do their thing, and we do our thing with real evidence…” — Hurwit [31:36]

• On Survivors’ Treatment:
  “It’s unfathomable…it’s discouraging to know that there are people that would take those shots…on the Internet, right, where there’s no consequence to themselves.” — Hurwit [51:43]

• On Legacy and Learning:
  “Hopefully that part of the story here is how people put aside territory, jurisdiction, egos, and were solely focused on solving this crime.” — Hurwit [48:46]

Important Timestamps

• [05:56-07:46] — Hurwit’s legal background and journey to this case
• [09:54-12:19] — Approach to collaboration, crime-fighting in Idaho
• [21:00-22:17] — The emotional toll of the case on the prosecution team
• [26:06-30:11] — Plans for jury selection in the face of high publicity
• [33:47-36:24] — The internal and public dynamics of the plea agreement
• [37:45-41:33] — The rarity and rationale behind requiring “explanations” in criminal pleas
• [43:00-45:37] — Sentencing hearing: outpourings from families and community unity
• [46:40-49:31] — Lessons learned about collaboration in U.S. law enforcement
• [51:32-54:04] — Messages to survivors, families, and the healing community
• [54:18-55:41] — Lasting personal and professional impact on Hurwit

Final Reflections

Hurwit’s candor and depth — along with the hosts’ sharp, respectful questioning — provide an exceptional window into one of the most notorious U.S. murder cases in recent memory. The episode highlights the burdens shouldered by public servants in crisis, the power of inter-agency cooperation, and the ongoing challenge of seeking justice while honoring victims and survivors. At every point, the conversation remains grounded, humane, and thoughtful, never losing sight of the human cost of crime or the community’s need for truth and healing.