True Crime All The Time (TCATT)
The Idaho College Murders Part 2 (Episode 467)
Hosts: Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson
Date: January 12, 2026
Overview
In the second and concluding part of their deep dive into the Idaho College Murders, Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson dissect new information following Bryan Kohberger’s arrest, unraveling the prosecution and defense strategies, exploring troubling pre-murder behaviors, and detailing the wrenching impact on the victims’ families. The hosts evaluate the plea deal arrangements, scrutinize potential motives, and emphasize lingering unanswered questions—particularly the “why” behind the tragedy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Case Recap & New Developments
- Episode Focus: Details emerging post-arrest, Kohberger’s legal moves, plea deal, motives, and aftermath.
- Highlights from Part 1: Previously, the hosts reviewed the victims’ lives and the early investigation.
2. Kohberger’s Pre-Crime Behavior and Evidence
- Cell Phone Data:
- Kohberger’s phone was near the victims’ house 12 times before the murders and the morning after, often late at night ([06:39]).
- Red Flag: Phone turned off between 2:47–4:48am during homicide window—“a big red flag” ([08:07] Mike Ferguson).
- Court Documents & Arrest:
- Kohberger, criminology major, entered a not guilty plea via silence on May 22, 2023 ([09:19]).
- At arraignment, judge entered "not guilty" for him; hosts see it as possible control tactic.
3. Legal Strategy & Defense Tactics
- Kohberger’s Alibi:
- Claimed he was driving alone, but provided no specifics or witnesses ([11:05] Ann Taylor, defense attorney).
- Host Commentary: An “ironclad alibi” would need independent corroboration; “if you’re just out driving, who can help corroborate your alibi?” ([12:40] Mike Ferguson).
- Demolition of Crime Scene:
- Victims' home demolished in Dec 2023; families were divided ([13:37]).
- Pros: Helps community heal ([15:31] University President); Cons: Families felt it destroyed evidence before trial ([15:00]).
- Change of Venue:
- Trial moved to Boise due to publicity ([16:28]).
4. Key Courtroom Battles
- Motions Lost by Defense:
- Death penalty not dismissed; DNA evidence remained admissible ([16:32]).
- Bushy Eyebrows Evidence:
- Dispute over a selfie and survivor’s memory—unique focus on physical trait ([17:43]).
- Challenging Survivors:
- Dylan Mortensen’s account targeted by defense for inconsistencies.
- Amazon Purchases & Knife Sheath:
- Kohberger researched and purchased K-bar knife months prior; sheath found at the scene had his DNA ([18:46]).
- Defense floated possibility it was planted ([23:20]); hosts skeptical.
5. Mental Health & Death Penalty Debate
- Autism Spectrum Diagnosis:
- Defense cited diagnosis as reason to avoid death penalty; prosecution saw no decreased culpability ([24:21]).
- “He wasn’t a dumb individual…he was pretty intelligent” ([24:45] Mike Ferguson).
6. Technology and Digital Forensics
- Digital Footprints:
- Kohberger searched for info on sociopathy, pornography with disturbing keywords, and news about the murders ([26:49]-[27:30]).
- 23 visits to cell tower near victims’ home in the months prior—“seems like stalking” ([27:47]).
7. Plea Deal and Family Reactions
- Guilty Plea:
- Just before trial, Kohberger pleads guilty to avoid death penalty; sentenced to four consecutive life terms ([30:52]).
- He agreed to waive right to appeal. Plea spared families a traumatic trial, but not all were satisfied with the terms.
- Goncalves family demanded more—confession, murder weapon, answers—felt excluded; “Our family is frustrated…” ([32:30] Goncalves family statement).
- Prosecutor’s Rationale:
- Sought closure and avoidance of decades of appeals ([56:03] Bill Thompson).
8. Impact Statements & Emotional Fallout
- Sentencing Hearing:
- Zanna Kernodle’s father: “You would have had to deal with me” ([41:25]).
- Kaylee’s mother: “Hell will be waiting. You are nothing. …your fellow inmates are anxiously awaiting your arrival, homeboy.” ([41:50]).
- Survivor Dylan Mortensen: “Kohberger took away my ability to trust the world…my body reliving everything over and over again. I was barely 19…” ([43:57]).
- Kaylee’s sister Olivia: “They were not yours to study, to stalk, or to silence. They’re everything you could never be.” ([46:01]).
- Zanna's aunt forgave Kohberger because “I could no longer live with the hate” ([48:49]).
- Kohberger declined to address the court ([49:12]).
9. Stalking, Motive, and Unanswered Questions
- Victims’ Prior Concerns:
- Kaylee mentioned being watched and suspected a stalker ([51:21]).
- Multiple WSU students reported Kohberger stalked them—showing up daily at workplaces, peeping through windows, knowing personal details, repeated unwelcome contact ([68:15]-[69:39]).
- No Clear Motive or Connection:
- Investigators found no evidence Kohberger knew the victims; no social media links, pictures, or communications ([62:59]).
- Hard for families and public to understand “why.”
- Prosecutors and investigators highlight possible serial predator motives, psychological gratification.
10. Reflections and Unresolved Issues
- Technology’s Role:
- Hosts emphasize modern tech (cell data, DNA) made solving the case possible; contrast with pre-digital era.
- Ongoing Debate:
- Despite resolution, questions about motive, target(s), and full details remain.
- Host Mike Ferguson: “Anytime you have that, even in a solved case, you’re still going to have people debating it” ([75:28]).
- Family Disappointment:
- Frustration at plea deal terms and lack of full disclosure ([76:06]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Cell Phone Evidence:
“When they find a situation like this where the person’s phone was turned off during the time that the murder occurred, it’s a big red flag.”
— Mike Ferguson ([08:07]) -
On Defense’s Alibi:
“If you’re just out driving, who can help corroborate your alibi?”
— Mike Ferguson ([12:40]) -
On Kohberger’s Courtroom Silence:
“Maybe it’s the, ‘I’m taking control. I want to be the center of attention.’”
— Mike Ferguson ([09:49]) -
On DNA Evidence:
“This knife sheath is a real damaging piece of evidence for your client.”
— Mike Ferguson ([23:07]) -
On Family Frustration:
“The county should be ashamed of its prosecutor’s office…given families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea after more than two years. This is how it concludes, with a secretive deal. And a hurried effort to close the case without any input from the victims families…”
— Goncalves family statement ([32:30]) -
On Impact of the Crimes:
“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. Living is how I honor them.”
— Dylan Mortensen ([43:57]) -
On Olivia Goncalves’ Statement:
“They were not yours to study, to stalk, or to silence. They’re everything you could never be — loved, accepted, vibrant, accomplished, brave and powerful.”
— Olivia Goncalves ([46:01]) -
On Lingering Uncertainty:
“He’s the only one that has the why, and oftentimes that why, it may only make sense to him.”
— Lt. Darren Gilbertson ([54:12])
Important Segment Timestamps
- [06:39] – Kohberger’s phone activity and crime scene proximity
- [09:19] – Kohberger’s plea and courtroom behavior
- [11:05] – Defense's vague alibi claims
- [13:37] – Demolition of the victims’ home
- [16:28] – Change of trial venue due to publicity
- [18:46] – Knife purchase, Amazon activity, and K-bar sheath
- [23:20] – DNA on the sheath, defense’s counterargument
- [24:21] – Autism spectrum arguments over the death penalty
- [27:47] – 23 prior visits near victims’ home; “seems like stalking”
- [30:52] – Kohberger pleads guilty, plea deal details
- [32:30] – Goncalves family’s public statement of disappointment
- [41:25] – Victim impact statement from Zanna’s father
- [43:57] – Dylan Mortensen’s survivor statement
- [46:01] – Olivia Goncalves’ powerful address
- [51:21] – Kaylee’s suspicions of being stalked
- [54:12] – Law enforcement’s reflection on motive
- [62:59] – Investigators fail to find links to victims
- [68:15] – Reports from WSU students about Kohberger stalking them
Tone and Style
The hosts maintain a serious yet conversational tone, often inserting dark humor or sarcasm, but always returning to the gravity of the crime and respect for the victims.
Conclusion
TCATT’s meticulous coverage in Part 2 lays bare both the forensic case and the human wreckage left behind. While Kohberger’s conviction brings technical closure, the motive and meaning behind the horror remain shrouded—a fittingly grim reality that underscores the hosts’ assertion: “True crime reminds us of one thing. Life can change in an instant.” ([38:06])
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