Family of Bryan Kohberger’s victim criticizes Lifetime movie about Idaho killings

Upcoming Lifetime Movie Sparks Outrage

A new Lifetime movie centered on Brian Koberger, the Idaho murderer, has caused quite a stir. Some actors were recently seen on social media, jumping around in costumes and doused in fake blood, which has understandably upset the families of the victims.

This film is part of Lifetime’s “Ripped from the Headlines” series, focusing on the tragic murders of students Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Gonsalves, Zana Karnodol, and Madison Morgen that occurred in November 2022 in Moscow, Idaho.

Recently, social media posts from the cast dancing in bloody costumes have drawn severe backlash. One particularly problematic post was shared by Haley Hansen, who portrays Gonsalves. It was deleted after the backlash but later reposted by other users on TikTok.

Gonsalves’ parents, Steve and Christy, have expressed their anger at the actors and the filmmakers for supposedly exploiting their daughter’s tragic fate for profit.

In a statement, they said, “Yes, the case is closed. But Lifetime and its parent company appear more focused on making money than showing respect. The actors displayed inappropriate taste.” They continued, “Yes, we are hurt. Yes, we are disappointed. Every single day we miss Kaylee and Maddie. It’s still early since the case ended, and our feelings are incredibly raw.”

They condemned the “actors dancing around in blood” and called for the film’s media manager to be fired.

Koberger was sentenced in July to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, plus an additional ten years for robbery, which left some family members dissatisfied since the death penalty was not applied.

Gonsalves’ parents lamented the lack of communication from the filmmakers about how the production might impact them and labeled it “premature” to dramatize the murders.

“Yes, we wished for the death penalty. Yes, you did not reach out to us regarding the film. Yes, this is too soon,” they asserted.

In their concluding remarks, they expressed a hope that no one else has to endure such a tragedy, highlighting the heartache that arises when commercial interests overshadow common sense.

Attempts to reach Haley Hansen’s representatives, director Stephen Adelson, and Lifetime Network for comments went unanswered.

This film is being produced by the same team that created “The Murdaugh Murders,” which re-enacted the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh by their family member, Alex.