On the morning of November 13, 2022, two University of Idaho students, Hunter Johnson and Emily Alandt, received a concerning call from their friend Dylan Mortensen. She had heard unsettling noises during the night and was anxious because her roommates weren’t answering their phones. Skeptical at first, the pair decided to check on their friends at 1122 King Road, a house that usually buzzed with life.
When they arrived, silence hung in the air. As Hunter walked upstairs to find his best friend, Ethan Chapin, and his girlfriend, Xana Kernodle, he made a chilling discovery. For the sake of the others, he instructed Emily and Dylan to call 911 for an “unconscious individual” instead of revealing the grim reality.
The shocking murders of Ethan, Xana, and their two roommates, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves—students known for their vibrant social lives—quickly became a national sensation. A new docuseries, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders, takes a different track. Instead of recounting the details of the crime, it focuses on the emotional aftermath for friends and family. The series includes candid interviews with those closest to the victims, revealing the confusion and despair as they learned the terrible news—many not from the police, but through emergency alerts on their phones.
Matthew Galkin, co-director of the series, noted that traditional narratives usually center on law enforcement or journalists. This series flips that approach to highlight the personal stories of those directly affected.
In the weeks following the murders, media attention intensified. Reporters flooded the once-quiet town, turning the crime scene into a focal point for true crime enthusiasts. Social media exploded with speculation. Students faced harassment and accusations, often based on unfounded theories. Hunter Johnson became entangled in these rumors, raising fears for his safety. As Galkin pointed out, this situation spiraled out of control.
Six weeks later, Bryan Kohberger, a criminology student, was arrested. His capture, linked to DNA evidence found at the scene, didn’t halt the rampant speculation. Questions about his motives and ties to the victims persisted. Galkin emphasized they aimed to focus on facts rather than sensationalism, opting for respectful storytelling.
The series also touches on broader societal issues, including the impact of online speculation and the connections to troubling ideologies. Kohberger’s possible ties to incel communities, which harbor negative views toward women, raised additional alarms.
When Kohberger recently pleaded guilty, reactions were mixed. Families expressed their shock and anger. While some felt relief at the absence of a drawn-out trial, others opposed the plea deal, believing it fell short of true justice.
Ultimately, the docuseries aims to remind viewers of the humanity behind headlines. It portrays the vibrant lives of the victims—Madison’s humor, Kaylee’s spark, Xana’s musical passion, and Ethan’s ability to bring joy. This narrative highlights the hardness of true crime obsession: it has real consequences for real people.
As Galkin concludes, “There’s a time and a place for amateur sleuthing. But there’s a human cost.” This series seeks to pave the way for more thoughtful engagement with such stories, urging people to remember the individuals behind the tragedies.
