Newly unsealed documents offer disturbing details about convicted killer Bryan Kohberger and his deadly attack on four University of Idaho students.
Kohberger, 31, is serving four life prison sentences after pleading guilty to killing four students—Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 20; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20—at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022. Kohberger accepted a deal with prosecutors in 2025, avoiding the death penalty for his crimes.
The killings set off a nationwide manhunt for a suspect, ultimately leading to Kohberger’s arrest in Eastern Pennsylvania. The 31-year-old hasn’t said anything publicly about the attack, including a possible motive. However, a supplemental court filing from prosecutors revealed new information about Kohberger’s methods and the cause of death for each victim.
Reporter Kevin Fixler of the Idaho Statesman first shared details of the filing, which includes autopsy findings, according to People. The new reports are not complete and only include key findings, but are enough to reveal horrifying clues about Kohberger’s rampage.
The four Idaho murder victims were stabbed at least 150 times by Kohberger
According to the unsealed records, Kohberger’s four victims had at least 150 combined stab wounds. Kernodle was stabbed 67 times, Goncalves 38 times, Mogen 28 times, and Chapin 17 times.
The locations of the wounds also suggest Kohberger targeted their head and upper extremities. Goncalves had at least “24 stab and incised wounds of the scalp, face, and neck,” while each of the other victims had four or more.
According to the findings, three of the victims—Goncalves, Chapin, and Mogen—were attacked as they slept and unable to stand up. Kernodle’s body was found with blood on her feet, suggesting she attempted to fight back.
Following the attack, investigators discovered a KA-Bar knife sheath inside the house—possibly left behind from Kohberger’s confrontation with Kernodle. This provided the trace DNA ultimately used to link Kohberger to the crime scene and the suspected murder weapon, which was never found.
The official cause of death was “multiple sharp force injuries” with contributing factors
The documents also provide a cause of death for each victim. The report found that Goncalves and Mogen died of multiple sharp force injuries, with other contributors to Goncalves’s death including blunt force injuries of the head and asphyxial injuries.
The cause of death for Chapin and Kernodle was similarly deemed multiple sharp force injuries.
Kohberger is currently at a maximum security prison in Idaho
Kohberger was transferred to the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, located in Kuna, after his sentencing, according to A&E.
Kohberger was placed in the J Block, a unit including long-term restrictive housing, or solitary confinement. According to the Idaho Department of Correction, these inmates are moved in restraints and allowed a shower every other day. He spends 23 hours per day in his cell, with one hour of outdoor recreation.
According to reports, Kohberger requested a transfer to another area of the prison in August 2025, alleging threats of sexual assault from other inmates. However, he is still housed in the J block, according to Idaho Department of Correction records.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
