Kohberger's Motive: Crime Scene Photos in Idaho

Previously unpublished photographs from the murder scene of four students in Idaho could reveal Brian Kohberger«s possible motive, according to media reports.

The victims were 20-year-old Ethan Chapin, his 20-year-old girlfriend Xana Kernodle, and her friends 21-year-old Maddie Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. They were killed in the early morning of November 13, 2022, in a house near the campus in Moscow, Idaho.

After Kohberger made a deal with the investigation in July 2025 to avoid trial and the death penalty, Idaho police released thousands of previously sealed crime scene photos. Later, some inappropriate photos were removed.

Two former FBI agents examined these materials and expressed their opinion on the murder motive. They believe that the photos confirm theories about Kohberger«s movements in the house and his likely target.

According to the investigation, Kohberger entered the house around 4 a.m., went up to the third floor where Goncalves and Mogen were sleeping, and killed both. Then he went down to the second floor where he encountered Kernodle and killed her and Chapin, who was sleeping in her bed.

The agents believe that Kohberger«s target was Maddie Mogen, as he headed directly to her room. Mogen suffered 28 stab wounds, Goncalves 38.

It is believed that Kernodle was not asleep at the time of the attack, as she had recently received a food order. The photos captured uneaten food on the second floor. Possibly, she heard noise and tried to escape or resist.

According to the report, Kernodle suffered 67 stab wounds, and unlike the other victims, there was blood on her legs, indicating a struggle. Chapin was wounded 17 times, including a cut on the neck.

The former FBI agents believe that Chapin was killed out of necessity to eliminate a threat, while the women were killed with particular ferocity.

He killed the guy because he needed to neutralize the threat… and killing the women gave him pleasure,

stated one of the ex-agents.