Moscow, Idaho — In the wake of a tragic quadruple homicide, the sister of one of the victims has revealed unsettling details about the final communications she had with her brother just hours before the crime. Bryan Kohberger, now convicted, committed the brutal killings of four university students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—on November 13, 2022, in a residence that was a favored gathering spot for students.
A new four-part Amazon docuseries titled “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” chronicles the harrowing events surrounding that fateful night, detailing the emotional turmoil faced by the victims’ families and friends as well as the community’s response to the tragedy. The series delves into the night of the murders, the impact on those left behind, and the investigation that led to Kohberger’s arrest.
In the docuseries, Maizie Chapin recalls a “weird” text from her brother Ethan just hours before he was killed. Although she had attended a formal event with her brother, Maizie opted to go home early, while Ethan and his fraternity friends continued to celebrate. She noted that his persistent messages were unlike him, especially when he texted, “I love you,” a phrase they typically did not exchange.
Ethan, accompanied by his girlfriend, returned to the residence they shared with friends shortly before the attack occurred around 4 a.m. the following morning. Maizie and her brother Hunter would soon face the devastating reality of the situation as they arrived at the crime scene, where Hunter first learned of Ethan’s murder from their close friends.
“I couldn’t process it,” Hunter recalled with emotion, as he reflected on the bond he shared with Ethan, describing a painful connection between the three siblings that rarely experienced any separation. He turned to Maizie to share the horrific news, a moment she described as palpable and unsettling, as she instinctively felt that something was wrong.
The incident rocked the Moscow community, a town known for its tight-knit college atmosphere. Students and families struggled to come to terms with the senseless loss, which left an indelible mark on the university landscape. Ethan’s peers mourned the loss of not only friends but beloved companions who had enriched their college experiences.
Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, entered a guilty plea on July 2, 2023, as part of a plea deal enabling him to avoid the death penalty. Previously, he had denied all charges against him, which included four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. His sentencing is scheduled for July 23, where it is expected he will face life imprisonment without parole.
Despite the pain, the remembrance of the victims continues to foster community solidarity as families navigate their grief. “One Night in Idaho” serves as a testament to the lasting effects of trauma, illustrating both the personal loss felt by those closest to the victims and the broader implications for a community forever changed by violence. The docuseries is currently available for viewing on Amazon.