Idaho prosecutor suggests Kohberger might have used another weapon in the killings

New Developments in Idaho Student Murder Case

Idaho State Prosecutor Bill Thompson indicated that investigators haven’t completely ruled out the possibility that Brian Coberger might have used a second weapon in the murders of four University of Idaho students. He also noted that the killer seemed to have avoided the surviving roommate, Dylan Mortensen.

Thompson mentioned that there were injuries on victim Kaylee Goncalves, 21, that appeared to be inflicted by something other than the knife primarily used in the attack. However, he decided not to pursue inquiries into the potential second weapon for now. “There was an injury that seemed to be caused by something other than a knife, but it could have been a knife,” he told officials. “I don’t think we can rule out the possibility that additional weapons are involved.”

Court documents shed light on the brutal nature of the attacks on Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Zana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin back in November 2022. According to newly released records from the Moscow police, Goncalves sustained “over 20 stab wounds” as well as blunt force trauma.

Reflections on the Case

Thompson shared his thoughts on Coberger’s state of mind during the attack, suggesting that Coberger might have panicked upon realizing that Mortensen, who was unharmed, had encountered him during his escape. “From what Dylan explained, I have a hard time imagining that the murderer didn’t see Dylan,” Thompson remarked. “He was probably at the rental longer than he intended, killing more people than he planned. I think he was surprised, maybe even scared, and chose to flee without knowing whether law enforcement had been alerted.”

Mortensen reported seeing an intruder with “bushy eyebrows” on that fateful night at 1122 King Road in Moscow. James Fry, the then-chief of Moscow police, mentioned there are various theories regarding why Mortensen survived, including the possibility that Coberger might have been exhausted after committing the murders. “I don’t know; he’s the only one who has the answer,” Fry commented.

Thompson emphasized the critical role of DNA evidence in the case. “From our perspective as prosecutors, DNA has been significant for strengthening the case for trial purposes,” he said. Without the DNA linking Coberger to the knife sheath, he noted, proving the case could be exceedingly difficult.