Facing the Murderer

Summary

Summary of "Facing the Murderer" – The King Road Killings: An Idaho Murder Mystery

Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host/Author: ABC News
Episode: Facing the Murderer

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Introduction

In the poignant episode titled "Facing the Murderer" from The King Road Killings: An Idaho Murder Mystery, ABC News Correspondent Kayna Whitworth delves into the emotional and legal aftermath of the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students. The episode covers Bryan Kohberger's sentencing, the heartfelt victim impact statements, and the broader implications for the Moscow, Idaho community.

The Sentencing Hearing

The courtroom in Boise was a scene of intense emotion as families, friends, media, and law enforcement gathered to witness the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger. As Whitworth describes, "They called the convicted killer a psychopath, a sociopath, evil..." (00:31). The setting was tense, with attendees arriving the night before to secure a seat for the proceedings.

Kohberger entered wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, handcuffed to a chain, displaying a stoic demeanor throughout the hearing. His mother and sister were the only family members present, highlighting the isolation he faced during the trial.

Victim Impact Statements

Bethany Funk and Dylan Mortenson

The episode highlights the harrowing experiences of the surviving roommates, Bethany Funk and Dylan Mortenson. Bethany's statement, read by friend Emily Allant at [04:27], reflects deep loss and regret:

"I was roommates with Maddie, Kaylee, Zanna, and Ethan. I not only lost some of my best friends, but I also lost a sister..." (04:27).

Bethany recounts the morning of the murders, expressing her anguish over not calling the police sooner and the subsequent online harassment she endured:

"I was so frantic that morning and scared to death not knowing what had happened... I don't remember a thing. That was the worst day of my life..." (05:21).

Dylan Mortenson, who saw Kohberger in the house on the night of the murders, delivered a moving statement at [08:12]:

"What happened that night changed everything. Because of him, four beautiful, genuine, compassionate people were taken from this world for no reason." (08:12).

Her description of ongoing panic attacks and relentless grief underscores the lasting trauma endured by the survivors:

"It's far beyond anxiety. It's my body reliving everything over and over again..." (08:45).

Maddie Mogan's Family

Scott Laramie and his wife, Maddie's mother Karen, shared their profound loss. Scott expressed shattered dreams:

"All parents dream of their children accomplishing more. We realized this dream all we had not become. She was becoming." (10:45).

Maddie's grandmother, Kim Cheeley, reminisced about her granddaughter's endearing nickname and their bond:

"I added an angel wing, and it's one of my treasured possessions..." (11:36).

Caylee Gonzales' Family

Caylee's father, Steve Gonzales, delivered a fierce denunciation of Kohberger at [13:17]:

"Today we are here to finish what you started... You are going to suffer, man. I'm shaking because I want to reach out to you, but I just... Go to hell." (19:00).

Caylee's older sister, Olivia, maintained her composure while expressing unwavering anger:

"I won't offer you trembling disappointments... Murderer." (14:31).

Zanna Kernodle's Family

Zanna's family displayed a spectrum of emotions from forgiveness to lingering pain. Zanna's mother, Karen, spoke of her ability to forgive through faith:

"Jesus has allowed me to forgive Coburger..." (16:05).

Her stepfather, Randy Davis, shared joyful memories of Zanna before turning his focus to Kohberger:

"Zanna's father... said, now she's an angel." (18:26).

Overall Impact

The victim impact statements collectively lasted about an hour and a half, with each speaker conveying profound grief, anger, and a desire for justice. Throughout these testimonies, Kohberger remained unemotional, his composed demeanor starkly contrasting the raw emotions expressed by the victims' families and friends.

Legal Proceedings and Prosecutor’s Address

State Prosecutor Bill Thompson addressed the court, acknowledging the families' mixed feelings about Kohberger's guilty plea. He meticulously went through each of the five counts Kohberger pled guilty to, emphasizing the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victims' families ([21:18]).

Thompson concluded by reiterating the need for closure:

"This is the closure that we seek that all of these people, these loving friends and family deserve so we can move forward." (22:01).

Judge Hippler's Remarks

Judge Hippler delivered a powerful closing statement, reflecting on the senselessness of the murders and the enduring pain inflicted on the families:

"During the quiet morning hours of November 13, 2022, a faceless coward reached the tranquility of six beautiful young people and senselessly slaughtered them." (26:45).

He addressed the lingering question of motive, emphasizing that focusing on "why" would inadvertently grant Kohberger the relevance he sought:

"There is no conceivable reason for these crimes... It's time that he be consigned to the ignominy and isolation of perpetual incarceration." (30:23).

Conclusion and Aftermath

Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences plus 10 years for burglary, along with substantial fines. As Whitworth summarizes, the courtroom dispersed amid hugs and heartfelt exchanges, symbolizing both the end of a legal chapter and the beginning of a healing process for the community.

Post-sentencing, the Moscow Police Department released approximately 300 documents detailing the investigation, revealing graphic descriptions of the murders but still leaving the motive elusive. The judge reiterated that understanding the "why" would not serve the victims' families or the community.

Whitworth closes the episode by reflecting on the responsibility to remember the victims and continue honoring their memories:

"It's up to the families to carry forward memories of their loved ones... It's our job now, too, to remember their light and their lives and carry that forward." (31:07).

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Notable Quotes Highlighted

• Bethany Funk:
  "I was so frantic that morning and scared to death not knowing what had happened..." (05:21).

• Dylan Mortenson:
  "What happened that night changed everything... four beautiful, genuine, compassionate people were taken from this world for no reason." (08:12).

• Caylee Gonzales' Father, Steve Gonzales:
  "You are going to suffer, man... Go to hell." (19:00).

• Judge Hippler:
  "There is no conceivable reason for these crimes... It's time that he be consigned to the ignominy and isolation of perpetual incarceration." (30:23).

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Reflections

"Facing the Murderer" provides an unflinching look into the emotional devastation wrought by Bryan Kohberger's heinous crimes. Through the raw and heartfelt victim impact statements, listeners gain a profound understanding of the lasting scars left on the victims' families and the community. The episode underscores the complexities of seeking closure in the absence of a clear motive and highlights the resilience of those left behind, determined to honor their loved ones' memories.

Transcript

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[Kaina Whitworth]

They called the convicted killer a psychopath, a sociopath, evil. They told him to burn in hell. Most refused to say his name. And they talked about their missing loved ones, shared little details, even funny stories. They said they're stronger than ever, that they are united by what happened. A couple of them even offered the killer forgiveness. Wednesday was Bryan Kohberger's sentencing and this is some of what we heard from the families and friends of the four University of Idaho students he killed. The loved ones of Kaylee Gonsalves, Madison Mogan, Zanna Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. This was their day to speak, to try and put into words how their deaths impacted them, to address Kohberger directly and tell him exactly what he's taken from them, and to do it face to face. They flew in from all across the country. I was there too. And for nearly three hours the words spilled out of them as Coburger sat, wrists cuffed to a metal chain around his waist, seemingly without emotion. By midday, he was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences, one for each murder charge, plus 10 years for the burglary charge. He won't have the possibility of parole and has waived his right to appeal. That part went the way we expected it to, but I wasn't sure what to expect from the victim impact statements. A lawyer I know described this part of the process as a legal funeral, and in the end, that felt about right. We'll walk you through what was said on this highly emotional day, what we learned, who spoke and who didn't. I'm ABC News correspondent Kaina Whitworth, and this is the King Road Killings. Today facing the murderer the courtroom in Boise was packed with the victim's families, friends, media spectators and law enforcement. People started lining up the night before so they could get a seat inside. Members of the Gonsalves, Mogan and Kernodle families were all present. Ethan Chapin's family decided not to attend. Coburger entered the courtroom wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and handcuffs secured to a chain around his waist. He calmly greeted his lawyers and his family. Only his mother and sister were present. Victim impact statements were read in the order of the charges listed on the indictment, starting with burglary. There were six University of Idaho victims that night. Four who died and two who have to live with the terror of that night. Bethany Funk and Dylan Mortenson, the surviving roommates, shared how their lives have changed since their roommates were killed. Bethany chose to have her statement read by a friend, so Emily Allant stepped to the podium.

[Emily Allant]

Thank you, you, Honor.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Zanna was one of Emily's best friends, too, and she was at the King Road house the morning after the murders. Here's Emily reading Bethany's words.

[Emily Allant]

I was roommates with Maddie, Kaylee, Zanna and Ethan. I not only lost some of my best friends, but I also lost a sister. Never in a million years would I have. Would I have thought that something like this would have happened to my closest friends.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Bethany and Dylan faced a storm of criticism for not immediately calling authorities. Bethany described what happened that morning.

[Emily Allant]

When I first woke up that morning, I had no idea what happened. I woke up around seven with a terrible toothache. So I called my dad, who is a dentist, and he asked what I should do. He told me to take Advil. So I did and I went back to sleep. I was still out of it and still didn't know what happened.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Bethany said she will always regret not calling the police sooner, even though I.

[Emily Allant]

Understand it wouldn't have changed anything, not even if the paramedics had been right outside the door. I was so frantic that morning and scared to death not knowing what had happened. And when I made the 911 call, I couldn't even get out the words. And from then on, I don't remember a thing. It was like my brain wiped that whole memory. That was the worst day of my life, and I know it always will be.

[Kaina Whitworth]

And it was made worse by the intense scrutiny she faced online after the murders. People blamed Bethany and Dylan for letting Coburger get away. Emily's voice was shaking as she read Bethany's words while I was still in.

[Emily Allant]

Shock, trying to process the fact that my friends were truly gone. I had been attacked by the public. I was grieving, numb and unsure of what had happened was even real. And at the same time, I was getting flooded with death threats and hateful messages from people who did not know me at all or know the dynamic of our friendship. Social media made it so much worse, and strangers made up stories to entertain themselves. The media harassed not just me, but also my family. People showed up at our house. They called my phone, my parents phones, other family members phones, and we were chased. While I was still trying to survive emotionally and grieve the loss of my friends.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Bethany said after the murders, she was terrified. She slept in her parents room for almost a year. She hasn't had a good night's rest since that day, and the fear will never leave her. She continues to live with constant anxiety that someone will hurt her or anyone else she loves. Dylan mortenson, the other surviving roommate, Moved to the front to give her statement. She was sobbing at times, almost hyperventilating, but she was brave. It's the first time that we've heard from her. Remember, Dylan was the roommate who saw kohberger in the house the night of the murders. She tried to control her heaving sobs so she could speak.

[Judge Hippler]

Dylan, just take your time, all right?

[Emily Allant]

Thank you, your honor.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Instead of standing at the podium, Dylan took a seat next to the prosecution to deliver her statement.

[Emily Allant]

What happened that night changed everything. Because of him, four beautiful, genuine, compassionate people Were taken from this world for no reason.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Dylan shook as she read her statement. Like bethany, she said she's also haunted by what happened that night and is dealing with severe anxiety.

[Emily Allant]

Then there are the panic attacks, the kind that slam into me like a tsunami out of nowhere. I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't stop shaking. All I can do is scream because the emotional pain and the grief is too much to handle. My chest feels like it's caving in. Sometimes I drop to the floor with my heart racing, Convinced something is very wrong. It's far beyond anxiety. It's my body reliving everything over and over again. My nervous system never got the message that it is over and it won't let me forget what he did to them.

[Kaina Whitworth]

At this point, I could hear sniffles in the audience. Members of the prosecution were quietly wiping away tears. But all throughout, Kohberger's expression was unchanged. He maintained a straight face and never looked away. Dylan ended her statement by talking about him.

[Emily Allant]

He is a hollow vessel, Something less than human. A body without empathy, without remorse. He chose destruction. He chose evil. He feels nothing. He tried to take everything from me. My friends, my safety, my identity, my future. He took their lives. But I will continue trying to be like them, to make them proud.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Next we heard from Maddie's family, Including Scott laramie, her stepfather. Maddie's mother, Karen Laramie, stood next to him with her arm around his waist. She was looking down, fighting back tears as Scott spoke.

[Emily Allant]

All parents dream of their children accomplishing more. We realized this dream all we had not become. She was becoming. Karen and I are ordinary people, but we lived extraordinary lives because we had Maddie. Maddie was taken senselessly and brutally. In a sudden act of evil, she was taken along with the. With the young, promising, and bright lives of Kaylee, Zanna, and Ethan.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Maddie's grandmother, Kim Cheeley, shared a sweet story about how her granddaughter gave her the nickname Dedle. She wore an engraved necklace that Maddie had given her that said Dedle and Maddie.

[Emily Allant]

I added an angel wing, and it's one of my treasured possessions. I also got an angel wing tattoo. Never thought I'd see the day. But along with many members of our family, replicating the one that Maddie and her sorority sisters had, I wanted mine where I could see and touch it often.

[Kaina Whitworth]

The Mogan family, they're still devastated. They're still grieving Maddie's loss, but they're also ready to move on. And said Kohberger's guilty plea is the first step in that process. They support this plea deal. The Gonzalves family does not. And they've been outspoken about their anger over the plea, and that anger was a big theme in their statements. Steve Gonzalez, Caylee's father, approached the podium and actually moved it so that he directly faced Kohberger instead of the judge. And he wasted no time scolding Kohberger. Today, we are here to finish what you started. Today, you've lost control. Today we are here to prove to the world that you picked the wrong families. You tried to break our community apart. You tried to plant fear. You tried to divide us.

[Judge Hippler]

You failed.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Instead, your actions have united everyone in their disgust for you. He called him stupid, careless, a complete joke. The world's watching because of the kids, not because of you. Nobody cares about you. You're not worth the time, the effort to be remembered. In time, you will be nothing but two initials forgotten to the wind. No visitors. Nothing more than initials on an otherwise unmarked tombstone. And then it was Olivia's turn. Kaylee's older sister. She took to the stand and spoke with an equal amount of fiery rage. Yet she maintained her composure while holding nothing back. I won't stand here and give you what you want. I won't offer you tears.

[Emily Allant]

I won't offer you trembling disappointments like.

[Kaina Whitworth]

You thrive on pain, on fear, and on the illusion of power. And I won't feed your beast. Instead, I will call you what you are. Sociopath. Psychopath.

[Emily Allant]

Murderer.

[Kaina Whitworth]

She said she refused to give Kohberger the satisfaction of their tragedy. Her voice got louder as she read her statement. She and Kohberger were making direct eye contact. He never looked away once as she was disparaging him and demanding answers. I will ask the questions that reverberate violently in my own head, so loudly.

[Emily Allant]

That I can't think straight most any day.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Some of these might be familiar, so sit up straight when I talk to you.

[Emily Allant]

How was your life right before you murdered my sisters?

[Kaina Whitworth]

Did you prepare for the crime before leaving your apartment? Why did you choose my sisters? Where is the murder weapon?

[Emily Allant]

The clothes you wore that night? What did you bring into the house with you?

[Kaina Whitworth]

What was the second weapon you used on Kaylee?

[Emily Allant]

What were Kaylee's last words?

[Kaina Whitworth]

Never once did anyone from the Gonzalez family say Bryan Coburger's name. The truth is as dumb as they come. Stupid.

[Emily Allant]

Clumsy.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Slow. Sloppy. Weak. Dirty. Let me be very clear. Don't ever try to convince yourself you.

[Emily Allant]

Mattered just because someone finally said your name out loud.

[Kaina Whitworth]

If the Goncalves family lashed out in unified anger at Kohberger, Zanna Kernodle's family offered a sweeping range of reactions, from forgiveness and an invitation to talk to her stepfather's wish to take him out to the woods alone. Zanna's father, Jeff, described the pain of hearing a young child call out for her father on the airplane as he was flying in for the hearing and how it reminded him of Zanna. He talked about how his younger daughter had checked in on him and his regret that he hadn't been there to protect her that night. Jeff Kernodle said he thought about driving over that night. He was just seven miles away, but Zanna had told him not to drink and drive. Zanna's mother, Karen, talked about how Jesus has allowed her to forgive Coburger, so she was washing her hands of the man who killed her daughter. Coburger, she said, didn't deserve to hear about the good memories of their daughter. Zanna's aunt Kim also talked about forgiveness because she said she saw how anger and hate could destroy people.

[Emily Allant]

But how I look at it now is this tragedy, this horrible tragedy on all of our the four children has brought us closer. You united us with your actions. We're united now and we're stronger than ever. We have family and friends now that we never knew we had. And you know, this is probably going to bother everybody but Brian, I'm here today to tell you I have forgiven you. Because I no longer could live with that hate in my heart. And for me to become a better person, I have forgiven you. And anytime you want to talk and tell me what happened, get my number. I'm here. No judgment, because I do have answers or questions that I want you to answer. And I'm here. I'll be that one that'll listen to you. Okay?

[Kaina Whitworth]

Zanna's stepfather, Randy Davis, took to the podium and described Zanna as funny. He made a point to turn his body and speak only to the other family members of the victims to share a story about how Zanna and her sister had once put their little brother in a dress and. And makeup. He said, now she's an angel. Then he turned his body, pointed and stared directly at Kohberger.

[Advertiser]

I want to just be out in the woods with you. Just so I can teach you about loss and pain. I'm not. I believe. I love God. I wouldn't take your life. That's up to him. But I guarantee you, you are weak. God, I would just give a moment, man. Five minutes out in the woods. Oh, man, you're going to go to hell. I know people believe in other stuff. You're evil. There's no place for you in heaven. You took our children. You are going to suffer, man. I'm shaking because I want to reach out to you, but I just. I hope you feel my energy, okay? Go to hell.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Ethan Chapin's family didn't have anyone speak on their behalf and weren't present for the hearing. But we knew they wouldn't be all told. The roommates and family members took about an hour and a half to express their grief, loss, memories, anger, and thirst for retribution. Through it all, Kohberger sat still, his face not reacting. Sometimes I saw him clenching his jaw or blinking. And then he was offered his chance to speak. We have more after the break. Hey, prime members, are you tired of ads interfering with your favorite podcasts? Good news. With Amazon Music, you have access to the largest catalog of ad free top podcasts included with your prime membership. To start listening, download the Amazon music app for free or go to Amazon.com adfreepodcasts that's Amazon.com adfreepodcast to catch up on the latest episodes without the ads. After the victim impact statements, state prosecutor Bill Thompson addressed the court. He stood at the podium and opened a manila folder.

[Advertiser]

So now it is time for the judicial system to impose final judgment and close the door on this chapter of these tragedies.

[Kaina Whitworth]

He acknowledged that some of the victims families were unhappy that Kohberger had been allowed to take a plea.

[Advertiser]

We recognize, I recognize and acknowledge personally, and I respect the fact that of these fine suffering people here, not everybody agreed with the decision we make. I accept that it's my responsibility. In the end, I recognize that that's the duty of the office that I hold.

[Kaina Whitworth]

He ticked through each of the five counts that Kohberger has pled guilty to. He showed photographs of the victims one by one.

[Advertiser]

That on count one, the felony burglary, the court sentenced the defendant to the maximum period of 10 years fixed in the custody of the Idaho Department of Corrections. Then on count two that the court sentenced the defendant to fixed life for the murder Maddy Mogan.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Thompson seemed to get choked up here. He continued to list all of the murder counts and asked the court to enforce each life sentence consecutively, back to back. Not at the same time to recognize.

[Advertiser]

And respect the unique individuality of each of these beautiful young people who lives were taken brutally and for no reason.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Thompson then displayed another photo. It was that iconic image of Maddie on Kaylee's shoulders. Zanna and Ethan, along with their roommates Dylan and Bethany. It was taken on a porch.

[Advertiser]

This is the picture taken on November 12, 2022, of the special family of 1122 King Road. And you can see all six of these dynamic, vibrant, loving, special, innocent faces taken together just across the street from their residence. And barely 12 hours before, four of them would be brutally murdered in their sleep. They've been described consistently as being bright, caring, vivacious with futures we can only imagine now.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Thompson said it was time for everyone to move forward. Today's proceedings and all the testimony we heard were one step in that process. And it's been a long road getting to this moment where Bryan Coburger would be sentenced and held accountable for his crimes.

[Advertiser]

I have one last thought after your Honor imposes judgment and sentences the defendant to spend the rest of his life in prison. In other words, sentence the defendant to die in prison. He's going to stand up in the belly chains and leg irons that he's wearing today and he's going to be escorted into the custody of the Idaho Department of Correction, and the door will close behind him forever. That is the closure that we seek that all of these people, these loving friends and family deserve so we can move forward. Thank you, you, Honor.

[Kaina Whitworth]

And then it was the moment we'd all been wondering about. The moment where the judge turned to Bryan Kohberger and asked if he had anything he wanted to say. You could feel the tension in the courtroom. It was like everyone was holding their breath.

[Judge Hippler]

All right, Mr. Coburger, you have an opportunity to make a statement if you wish to. I take it you are declining? I respectfully decline.

[Kaina Whitworth]

I watched him lean closer to the mic, but still it was a little hard to hear him when he said, I respectfully decline. I heard someone on the family side of the gallery say, surprise, surprise. There was a pause, and then it sounded like someone muttered, coward. Judge Hippler gently reprimanded the courtroom by saying, please. Then he read from prepared remarks. He spoke as an officer of the court, but also as a parent, and he reiterated the word coward.

[Judge Hippler]

During the quiet morning hours of November 13, 2022, a faceless coward reached the tranquility of six beautiful young people and senselessly slaughtered them. Four of them. Who committed this unspeakable evil was unknown for several weeks. But due to the killer's incompetence and outstanding police work by numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the person that slithered through that sliding glass door at 1122 King Road now stands before the world and this court unmasked. This unfathomable and senseless act of evil has caused immeasurable pain and loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child. This is the greatest tragedy that can be inflicted upon a person. Parents who took their children to college in a truck filled with moving boxes had to bring them home in hearses lined with coffins. The loss this killer inflicted was not just the death of these people's children, siblings, grandchildren. As we've heard today, it has ripped a hole in their soul, destroying a special part of their very essence. Any person who is a parent defines themselves foremost as such. It is their existence and purpose of.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Being.

[Judge Hippler]

And it has been stolen from these parents.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Judge Hippler spoke about one of the big unanswered questions in this case, the why of it all. And what was Bryan Coburger's motive for these crimes?

[Judge Hippler]

As we sit here today, this case is ending and we are now certain who committed these unspeakable acts of evil. But we don't know. And what we may never know is why. I share the desire expressed by others to understand the why.

[Kaina Whitworth]

Even President Donald Trump has weighed in on Kohberger's plea in recent days and said the judge should compel Kohberger to give a reason for the killings. But the judge tried to steer people away from fixating on the why.

[Judge Hippler]

It seems to me, and this is just my own opinion that by continuing to focus on why, we continue to give Mr. Kohberger relevance, we give him agency and we give him power. The need to know what is inherently not understandable makes us dependent upon the defendant to provide us with a reason. And that gives him the spotlight, the attention, and the power he appears to crave. Yet even if I could force him to speak, which legally I cannot, how could anyone ever be assured that what he speaks is the truth? Do we really believe, after all of this, he's capable of speaking the truth? Or of giving up something of himself to help the very people whose lives he destroyed?

[Kaina Whitworth]

There's no conceivable reason for these crimes, Judge Hippler said, no rational explanation. So we shouldn't be grasping for one.

[Judge Hippler]

And in the end, the more we struggle to seek explanation for the unexplainable, the more we try to extract a reason, the more power and control we give to him. In my view, the time has now come to end Mr. Kohberger's 15 minutes of fame. It's time that he be consigned to the ignominy and isolation of perpetual incarceration.

[Kaina Whitworth]

And with that, the judge moved on to formally sentence Kohberger to four consecutive life sentences, plus 10 years for burglary, as well as fines. Those fines include $50,000 for each of the five counts, plus a $5,000 civil penalty for each of the murder victims families.

[Judge Hippler]

Again, thank you to everyone for your stories today. I am strengthened by them and I am encouraged by your humanity and strength. God bless you. We're adjourned.

[Kaina Whitworth]

After two and a half hours, it was over. Coburger tried to talk to his mom before being led out of the courtroom. So many people stopped to hug the victim's family members, it actually created a bit of a traffic jam to leave the courtroom. Now that the legal part of this case is over, we expecting to get more access to information about their investigation. The court will start a review of the sealed documents surrounding the case and release them at its discretion. And just a few hours after the hearing ended, the Moscow Police department released some 300 documents detailing their investigation, including gruesome graphic descriptions of exactly how Kaylee, Maddie, Zanna, and Ethan had been murdered. But the judge had warned us not to expect an explanation for the unexplainable. And law enforcement told us today they don't have a motive. They never found a connection between Kohberger and any of the four victims or two surviving roommates. And as hard as they looked, they won't be able to offer us a why. The judge also said that it's up to the families to carry forward memories of their loved ones. He called the victims perpetually young people. These forever children, he said these survivors carry the responsibility of ensuring that the voices of these children, Maddie, Kaylee, Zanna and Ethan are never forgotten. And I might add that it's our job now, too, to remember their light and their lives and carry that forward. The King Road Killings is a production of ABC Audio. This podcast was produced by Sabrina Fang, Nancy Rosenbaum and Audrey Mostek. Our supervising producer is Sasha Eslanian. Our story editor is Tracy Samuelson. Original music by Soundboard Special thanks to Vika Aronson, Jenna Harrison, Julie Scott, Olivia Osteen, Alex Stone, Jim Hill, Josh Margolin, Sasha Pesnik, Lisa Syverson, Jeff Cook, Bonnie McLean and Liz Alessi. Josh Cohan is ABC Audio's director of podcast programming. Michelle Margulis is our operations manager. Laura Mayer is our executive produce.

[Emily Allant]

Foreign.

[Kaina Whitworth]

The top stories, biggest headlines, entertainment buzz and viral moments. You give us less than 10 minutes and we'll give you what you need to know. Your new daily must have habit. Start your day with what you need to know now. Streaming on Disney plus.