The King Road Killings: An Idaho Murder Mystery

Episode: “When The Night Comes Falling” - An Alleged Killer’s State of Mind

Release Date: June 25, 2024
Host/Author: ABC News Correspondent Kayna Whitworth
Guest: Howard Bloom, Investigative Reporter

Overview

In the episode titled “When The Night Comes Falling,” Howard Bloom delves deep into the psychological landscape of Bryan Kohberger, the criminology PhD student charged with the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho. This installment of The King Road Killings series provides an intricate examination of Kohberger’s state of mind, the investigation’s progression, and the profound impact on the community and the victims' families.

Key Discussions and Insights

Michael Kohberger’s Realization and Suspicion

Howard Bloom opens with the harrowing account of Bryan Kohberger’s father, Michael Kohberger, who begins to suspect his son’s involvement in the murders during a cross-country trip from Washington State to Pennsylvania.

• Michael’s Growing Fear:
  “He’s putting the pieces together in his mind that what have I stumbled into?” (03:58)

Michael notices unsettling details, such as the police issuing a stop order for a car identical to his son's, leading him to confront the terrifying possibility that his son might be the suspect.

• Internal Conflict:
  “How can you say to yourself, my son is a suspect in a murder case. I tried to structure the book many ways around this trip and along the way there stopped not once but twice by different state authorities...” (05:32)

The Night of the Murders

Bloom reconstructs the grim events of the murder night, highlighting Kohberger’s methodical and emotionless approach.

• Assassin’s Determination:
  “The commitment is made. And there is this assassin walking down this hill towards the house.” (10:00)

• Sequence of Events:
  The suspect enters through the kitchen, systematically targeting the victims. Notably, he unexpectedly encounters Kaylee, leading to her violent struggle and eventual murder.

• Chilling Calmness:
  “He says, it's okay, I'm here to help you. It's okay, I'm here to help you. That's pure evil." (15:27)

Kohberger’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings

The episode details Kohberger’s arrest in Pennsylvania and the subsequent legal maneuvers.

• The Raid:
  Bloom describes the dramatic arrest scene where Kohberger is found calmly sorting his garbage, an unsettling sight given the gravity of his charges.
  “They break some windows, literally. They want to scare the suspect... there is Bryan Kohberger sitting in his underwear, sorting his garbage into little plastic baggies.” (20:08)

• Legal Defense:
  Despite the mounting evidence, Kohberger maintains his innocence with a seemingly weak alibi of stargazing during the time of the murders.
  “If that's the best you can do, I think the case might have some problems.” (23:05)

Questioning the Evidence

Bloom critically examines the prosecution's case, highlighting potential weaknesses and areas of contention.

• DNA Evidence Scrutiny:
  “The DNA evidence, it's touch DNA, which is not the same as blood DNA, and that has been impugned by courts time after time.” (24:27)

• Cell Phone Triangulation Limitations:
  “Cell phone triangulation only covers an area of 13 miles, and that puts you in the vicinity of the house, not at the house.” (24:27)

• Lack of Concrete Motive:
  Both prosecution and defense agree there is no clear motive, making it challenging for the jury to find a rational reason behind the targeted attack.

Community and Family Impact

The episode delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by the victims’ families and the broader Moscow community.

• Kaylee’s Father’s Vow:
  “You send your daughter off to college and she comes back to you in an urn. How can your heart not break over something like that?” (30:20)
  Steve Gonsalves epitomizes unwavering determination, vowing to uncover the truth despite immense grief.

• Local Community Tensions:
  Pastor Douglas Wilson and the Kirkers community express skepticism towards law enforcement, complicating the trial atmosphere.
  “Don’t necessarily believe any Moscow cop who comes to testify on the stand because they have lied about us.” (28:54)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Howard Bloom on Michael Kohberger’s Realization:
  “What shocked me the most is his cross country trip that Bryan Kohberger takes with his father.” (05:32)

• On the Night of the Murders:
  “The ground is semi frozen. He can feel his shoes creaking along on the ice.” (11:42)

• Regarding the Alibi:
  “Stargazing, yes. If that's the best you can do, I think the case might have some problems.” (23:05)

• On the Prosecution’s Theory:
  “The prosecution has a theory that his emotional state was always very fragile.” (26:29)

• Howard Bloom’s Conclusion on Motive:
  “These are complicated questions that only someone who's not reasonable, not rational will be able to answer.” (28:39)

Conclusions

“When The Night Comes Falling” offers a profound exploration into the complexities surrounding the Bryan Kohberger case. Howard Bloom presents a meticulously researched narrative that not only scrutinizes the evidence against Kohberger but also empathetically portrays the devastating effects on the victims’ families and the local community. The episode underscores the challenges in uncovering the truth amidst conflicting information and emotional chaos, leaving listeners with lingering questions about justice and human psychology.

As the trial approaches, the episode sets the stage for Season 2, promising deeper insights and updates on this gripping murder mystery.

Production Credits

This bonus episode of The King Road Killings was co-produced with Good Morning America and ABC Audio.
Produced by: Meg Fierro, Vika Aronson, Sasha Ezlanian
Special Thanks to: Adriana Pratt, Sabrina Peduto, Nick Serone, Kate Hodgson, Sasha Pesnik, Josh Margolin, Santina Lucci, Lisa Soloway, Timmy Truong
Executive Producer: Laura Mayer

Note: The Kohberger family has not commented on Howard Bloom’s book and has stated that they consider its contents fictional. They have not engaged in discussions about its claims.