Idaho Police Criticize “Dateline” Episode on Kohberger Case
Idaho law enforcement has raised concerns about a recent television special focused on the case of Brian Kohberger, alleging it contains significant inaccuracies and even false statements. Kohberger is accused of orchestrating the murder of University of Idaho student Zana Carnodor, who was just 20 years old, on November 13, 2022.
Recently, Kohberger was sentenced to four life terms without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder and a felony robbery charge. Following the court’s decision in July, the judge lifted a gag order that had previously prohibited those involved in the case from addressing the media.
In May, NBC aired a special episode of “Dateline” that presented new details about the incident. However, police have pointed out that some of the information shared was inaccurate.
The FBI reportedly provided data showing that Kohberger’s phone pinged multiple times near the scene of the murders, specifically within 100 feet of the victims’ residence. These pings occurred during late-night drives that commenced in July 2022 and continued through mid-August.
According to reports, Kohberger’s late-night journeys in the area began after attending a pool party in Moscow. Data indicated he was near the victims’ home as well, including on November 7.
Witnesses had also reported a white Hyundai Elantra, which resembled Kohberger’s vehicle, being seen several times around the neighborhood shortly before the murders took place.
Lead investigator Darren Gilbertson has stated that “Dateline” misrepresented certain aspects of the case. He described elements of the episode as “terrible inaccuracies” and emphasized that some conclusions drawn were completely false.
For instance, it was reported that one of the victims suffered certain types of injuries referred to as “sculpted,” which Gilbertson disputed. He explained that the injuries did not suggest any ritualistic motives, stating it was simply an attempt to deter a victim from intervening.
In addition, Gilbertson clarified that claims Kohberger was found in a specific position within the house were entirely untrue, noting that there’s no evidence to support the idea he was sitting in a chair at any point.
The characterization of Kohberger’s intentions regarding the particular victims involved—Mogen and Goncalves—was also called into question. While “Dateline” suggested Mogen was the main target, Gilbertson remarked that the evidence does not clearly support this claim.
In terms of Kohberger’s online searches leading up to the incident, Gilbertson acknowledged that some of the reported activity, such as searches related to serial killer Ted Bundy, did occur, although he didn’t believe they indicated specific motives behind the murders.
With new developments emerging, the Rata County Prosecutor has announced that a special prosecutor will investigate potential leaks related to the case.
