Victim Identification and Witness Accounts in University of Idaho Murders

One of the surviving roommates provided new details about the tragic murders, revealing that the assailant identified at least one victim by name before attacking the four students in their off-campus residence in Moscow on November 13, 2022.

According to recently unsealed documents, the roommate, Dylan Mortensen, reported hearing the killer call out Kaylee Goncalves’ name during the attack. She initially believed she heard Goncalves, 21, fleeing towards the stairs in an attempt to escape, before hearing a male voice utter, “It’s okay, I’m here for you,” while crying. Mortensen later speculated that it was likely Xana Kernodle trying to flee, though she was in shock and unsure of what she heard at the moment.

Despite encountering Kohberger as he ran from the scene, Mortensen remains certain that the killer called Goncalves by name aloud. She described him as a “hollow vessel,” lacking empathy or remorse, and felt overwhelmed by the horror of the events. Her emotional statements reflected her belief that Kohberger is a remorseless individual responsible for the brutal stabbings that left Goncalves with more than 20 wounds, along with blunt-force trauma.

Further details indicate that Mortensen had previously noticed an intruder with “bushy eyebrows” on the night of the murders, who claimed to be “here to help.” After Kohberger’s arrest, she expressed uncertainty about recognizing him from a photo, saying she thought she would remember if she saw him but that her memory was clouded.

During the sentencing, Mortensen described Kohberger as “less than human,” with a lack of conscience, and expressed her devastating loss. Kohberger, now serving life in prison after a plea deal avoided the death penalty, has reportedly faced psychological torment from other inmates who have loudly shouted into his cell vents.