True Crime All The Time
Episode 466: The Idaho College Murders Part 1
Release Date: January 5, 2026
Hosts: Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson ("Gibby")
Podcast Network: Emash Digital / Wondery
Overview
In this intense two-part series opener, Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson begin a deep dive into the 2022 Idaho College Murders that shocked the nation. Focused on the murder of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho, Part 1 details the victims’ lives, the events of the night, and the initial stages of the investigation, while introducing suspect Bryan Kohberger and examining his disturbing background. The tone balances their signature conversational style—occasionally bantering—with a strong respect for the gravity of the crime.
“This is a case that scared the you know what? Out of me, because at the time I had a couple of kids in college and it's always scary.”
— Mike, [12:08]
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Victims and Their Lives
(06:55–12:52)
- Ethan Chapin (21): A triplet from Conway, Washington, sports management freshman, Sigma Chi fraternity member, loved social life and sports.
- “Since attending the University of Idaho, Ethan lived his best life. He loved the social life, intramurals, and tolerated the academics.” – Mike, [07:59]
- Zanna Kernodle (20): From Post Falls, Idaho, athlete (gymnastics, volleyball, track, soccer), marketing major, Pi Beta Phi sorority, worked at Mad Greek restaurant.
- “She was so positive, funny, and was loved by everyone who met her.” – Mike, quoting Zanna’s sister Jasmine, [09:06]
- Madison Mogen (21): Grew up in Northern Idaho, close friends with Kaylee Gonsalves, senior marketing major, Pi Beta Phi, worked at Mad Greek, planning to move after graduation.
- Kaylee Goncalves (21): Born in 2001, Alpha Phi sorority, aspired to be a teacher, described as highly social.
- “Kaylee and Madison were so close, they were described as more like sisters than friends.” – Mike, [09:40]
Timeline: Night & Morning of the Murders
(12:52–25:16)
-
November 12, 2022 Night:
- All four roommates plus Ethan (Zanna’s boyfriend) return home by 2am.
- Kaylee posts final Instagram photo around 9pm.
- Zanna takes a 4am DoorDash order.
-
Early Morning (4–4:30am):
- Strange noises, dog barking, and voices are heard; two surviving roommates (Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funk) become worried as texts and calls go unanswered.
- Security cam at 4:17am records dog barking, "voices or a whimper," and a loud thud.
- Roommates exchange frantic texts, with escalating fear described:
“Like he had something over his head and mouth. I'm not kidding. I'm so freaked out.”
— Dylan (via text), [17:14] - Dylan reports seeing a masked man; eventually, she and Bethany meet up, terrified.
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Delay in Calling 911:
- Despite their fear and evidence something is wrong, no one calls police until nearly noon.
- Podcast reflects on generational differences: texting and waiting felt normal, but defense later uses this gap to cast suspicion.
- After calling 911 at 11:56am, police arrive to an "absolutely horrific" scene.
The Crime Scene
(25:16–31:59)
- Brutality:
- Victims found with extreme injuries (multiple stab wounds, head/facial trauma, defensive wounds); blood seen pooling and seeping out of house.
- Madison and Kaylee found together on bed, covered in a bloodied blanket.
- Zanna suffers over 50 stab wounds—most defensive.
- Murder weapon: KA-BAR knife (never found), but a leather knife sheath with DNA is left on Madison's bed.
“If that doesn’t paint a chilling picture, I don’t know what does.”
— Mike, [30:27] - Investigators recover shoeprint and extensively bloody evidence.
Investigation Breaks
(31:59–36:05)
- Surveillance:
- A white Hyundai Elantra is observed circling the area repeatedly near crime time.
- Police match the car to Bryan Kohberger, a PhD criminology student at nearby Washington State University.
- The vehicle’s proximity (just 7–8 miles between the universities) accelerates focus on Kohberger.
Bryan Kohberger’s Background
(36:05–58:23)
-
Early Life & Personality:
- Born 1994 in Pennsylvania; academically bright but socially awkward, with reported drug use and issues relating to women.
- Posts online reflecting deep depression and detachment:
“I feel like an organic sack of meat with no self worth. As I hug my family, I look into their faces. I see nothing. It's like I'm looking at a video game, but less.”
— Kohberger's forum post, [35:15] - Describes suffering "visual snow" (vision condition), experiences suicidal thoughts.
-
Descent and Addiction:
- Transitions from overweight and bullied teen to dramatic weight loss and self-destructive behavior, including heroin use.
- Claims eventual recovery: “I only used when I was in a deep suicidal state. I have since really learned a lot. Not a personal life could convince me to use it.” [42:03]
-
Interest in Criminology:
- Studied psychology and criminology, eventually working toward a PhD at WSU.
- Asks on Reddit for participants in a survey about "emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime."
- Professors, staff, and peers note his fascination with the criminal mind and increasingly disturbing behavior.
“He tried to come across as the strongest, smartest, most important person in the room.”
— Mike, [49:38] - Multiple female students report stalking and unwanted attention; staff considered pulling his scholarship.
- Professor: “That's the guy that in many years when he is a professor we will hear is harassing, stalking and sexually abusing his students.” [54:17]
Police Focus Tightens
(58:23–65:56)
- Final Stages of the Manhunt:
- Police zero in after DNA from knife sheath matches a discarded q-tip at his parents’ home.
- Kohberger and his father drive cross-country after the murders; Kohberger is eventually arrested in Pennsylvania.
- Interviewed by police—Kohberger acknowledges knowing about the Moscow murders but quickly asks for a lawyer.
“Do you know what happened in Moscow? Yes. Do you want to talk about it? Eh, I think I would need an attorney.”
— Interrogation scene, [63:41] - Family issues a statement supporting due legal process and expressing condolences for the victims.
The Lingering Impact and What’s Next
(67:24–End)
-
Mike and Gibby reflect on the nightmare scenario for any parent: the vulnerability of college-age children, the terror of targeted home invasions, and the lifelong scars for the two surviving roommates.
- "Take the college atmosphere out of it... The thought that a stranger could enter your home where you have, you know, let's say multiple people in the home sleeping, and then start viciously attacking and killing people. That is a very frightening thought." — Mike, [67:07]
-
Promise to cover further revelations, legal developments, the plea process, and the ever-elusive motive in Part 2.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the impact for survivors:
"I'm thinking about the two young ladies that luckily survived and how that has... changed their life, their world."
— Gibby, [67:24] -
On the pace and horror of discovery:
“Some of their faces were so badly damaged, they were unrecognizable.”
— Mike, [27:29] -
On the social media age and crime:
“This is a case, Gibbs, that played out, you know, where social media was very prevalent.”
— Mike, [12:41] -
Peer warnings about Kohberger:
“It's like the writing is on the wall right now... Did they think he was going to be a killer? No, probably not. But they knew something was going to happen.”
— Mike, [54:58] -
On the brutality of the wounds and crime scene:
“Blood was found on the third floor stairwell... if that doesn’t paint a chilling picture, I don’t know what does.”
— Mike, [30:09]
Important Timestamps
- Victim Backgrounds: 06:55–12:52
- Timeline of the Night: 12:52–18:46
- Survivors’ Texts and Reactions: 16:35–19:37
- Discovery and 911 Call: 23:20–25:16
- Crime Scene Details: 25:16–31:59
- Early Investigation (car, knife, DNA): 31:59–36:05
- Kohberger’s Background and WSU Behavior: 36:05–58:23
- Police Narrow In / Arrest: 58:23–65:56
- Reflection on Impact and Series Forward Look: 67:24–End
Tone, Language, and Style
- Casual, conversational, with respectful asides and personal reflections.
- Mike’s paternal concerns and Gibby’s directness offer a listener-friendly balance.
- Frequent, sensitive pausing for the real-life horror and impact on the victims and survivors; sympathetic but unflinching in describing the brutality and psychological unease.
Summary
This first installment provides a rich, emotionally grounded overview of the Idaho College Murders case, meticulously laying out the timeline, the personalities lost, the unfolding tension within the house, and the complex portrait of the accused. The hosts’ natural, unhurried discussion, absent sensationalism, makes this episode essential listening for true crime followers and newcomers alike. Part 2 is teased as offering new details, a look inside the months after the arrest, and exploration of enduring questions about Kohberger’s motive.