Murder Survivors Math: 8-HOUR Delay

Idaho murder survivors’ 8-hour delay in calling 911 highlights how trauma can distort perception and decision-making in the aftermath of violence.

At a Glance

  • Two roommates survived the brutal killings of four University of Idaho students but waited hours to call 911 after encountering disturbing signs
  • Survivor Dylan Mortensen saw a masked man with “bushy eyebrows” around 4:00 a.m. but initially failed to recognize the deadly threat
  • Fear, shock, and confusion led the survivors to lock themselves in a room, delaying their emergency response
  • Bryan Kohberger, a doctoral student in criminal justice, was arrested seven weeks later and faces the death penalty if convicted
  • The trial, set for August 2025, will include testimony about the survivors’ experiences and crucial forensic evidence

The Critical Gap Between Trauma and Response

The November 2022 quadruple homicide at an off-campus University of Idaho residence sent shockwaves through the community of Moscow, Idaho. Four students—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were brutally stabbed to death while two roommates survived. 

One of the most scrutinized aspects of the case involves the significant delay between when survivor Dylan Mortensen encountered a masked intruder and when authorities were finally notified nearly eight hours later.

Mortensen reported hearing strange noises and seeing a man dressed in black wearing a ski mask around 4:00 a.m. Rather than immediately calling police, she and fellow survivor Bethany Funke locked themselves in a room, paralyzed by fear and confusion. Text messages between the roommates reveal their mounting panic: “I’m freaking out rn,” wrote Mortensen, to which Funke replied, “So am I.”

The Psychological Fog of Trauma

The delayed emergency response reflects a common psychological phenomenon during traumatic events. When confronted with extreme danger, the human brain can enter survival mode, triggering a cascade of reactions that may appear illogical in retrospect. Court documents reveal that Mortensen initially believed her roommate was merely passed out drunk, a reasonable assumption in a college setting that delayed her recognition of the gravity of the situation.

As the morning progressed, the survivors attempted to contact their other roommates and even called friends to help check the house before finally placing the 911 call at 11:56 a.m. This gradual acknowledgment of danger, rather than immediate action, provides insight into how trauma distorts perception and decision-making capabilities. The brain, overwhelmed by fear, often retreats to familiar explanations rather than immediately accepting the horrific reality. 

The Investigation and Upcoming Trial

After weeks of uncertainty following the murders, authorities arrested Bryan Kohberger, a criminal justice doctoral student, in Pennsylvania on December 30, 2022. DNA evidence reportedly links him to the crime scene, though his defense team challenges this connection and has raised issues about blood from an unknown male found at the scene. The case has generated thousands of tips and required extensive FBI involvement, including the creation of a 3D model of the crime scene for use in the trial. 

“We’re going to get our justice,” stated Steven Goncalves, a family member of one of the victims, expressing the determination for accountability in this devastating case. 

Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and burglary charges, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty citing “aggravating circumstances.” His defense team has noted that he exhibits features of autism spectrum disorder, potentially arguing against capital punishment. The trial, scheduled to begin on August 11, 2025, in Ada County following a change of venue from Latah County, is expected to last approximately three months.

Critical Evidence and Witness Testimony

Mortensen’s testimony about seeing an intruder with “bushy eyebrows” offers a potentially crucial identification detail matching Kohberger’s appearance. This observation, along with DNA evidence collected at the scene, forms the backbone of the prosecution’s case. The judge has permitted Mortensen to testify about what she witnessed that night, despite defense objections, recognizing the importance of her firsthand account.

The University of Idaho community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy. Vigils were held to honor the victims, and controversy arose over the eventual demolition of the residence where the crimes occurred. As the legal proceedings unfold, families of the victims await answers about the motive behind these senseless killings, while the survivors navigate their own complex journey of healing from the psychological trauma they experienced.

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