The Impact of Online Sleuths on the University of Idaho Murders

On November 13, 2022, the University of Idaho community was rocked by the brutal murders of four students: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The shocking incident occurred at a residence on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, and quickly garnered national attention, drawing reporters and amateur detectives alike to the scene. The new Amazon docuseries, "One Night in Idaho: The College Murders," delves into the chilling details of these events and examines the harmful role that online sleuths played in the aftermath of the crime.

As Matthew Galkin, co-director of the series, notes, the documentary takes a unique approach by focusing on how the crime impacted the victims' loved ones rather than merely recounting the investigation. Galkin stated, "In the crime genre, the majority of those are told through the lens of an investigator or law enforcement or a journalist. We wanted to flip the script with this one because we felt like that was the part of the story that hadn’t been told yet."

In the hours following the discovery of the bodies, friends and family were inundated with media requests and unsolicited messages, often filled with unfounded accusations. The mansion at 1122 King Road became a macabre tourist attraction, with amateur sleuths posting photos and theories online. By the time authorities identified Bryan Kohberger, a criminology student from Washington State University, as the primary suspect, evidence had emerged that highlighted the dangers of unregulated online speculation. Kohberger was arrested six weeks post-murders based on DNA evidence linked to a knife sheath found at the crime scene.

The docuseries emphasizes the emotional toll that such rampant speculation has on the victims' families. Daniel Berriochoa, a close friend of Chapin, remarked, "I was once again fearing for my life but for a completely different reason," illustrating the additional anxiety inflicted by online detectives. The documentary seeks to contextualize these online obsessions within larger societal issues, including the dangerous trend of misinformation and the pressure for families to navigate public scrutiny during their time of grief.

Galkin has made it clear that the series does not aim to sensationalize the murders but to humanize the victims and their families. He stated, "There is a time and a place for amateur sleuthing. But there’s also a human toll. Hopefully, this series allows you to look in their eyes and just understand what this is doing to people. Maybe people might think twice before they do this on the next enormous crime story."

The decision by Kohberger to plead guilty to all charges, thus avoiding a lengthy trial, has sparked varied reactions from the victims' families. While some expressed relief at the end of a prolonged legal process, others, notably the Goncalves family, found the decision unsatisfactory, leading to further discussions about justice and closure. As Galkin and Garbus, the series co-directors, illustrate, the focus remains on the stories of the victims rather than the act of violence itself, challenging viewers to reconsider their engagement with true crime narratives.

The docuseries acts as a poignant reminder of the consequences of public obsession regarding crime, urging society to reflect on the ethical implications of amateur sleuthing and its potential to harm those already suffering from loss. By featuring the voices of those affected, "One Night in Idaho" offers a perspective that is often overlooked in true crime media, aiming to foster greater compassion and understanding in the realm of crime reporting.