Bryan Kohberger: Shocking autopsy results reveal cause of death for four Idaho college students
WARNING: Graphic details
Newly unsealed court documents have revealed harrowing details about the final moments of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger in November 2022.
According to the supplemental filing, obtained by People, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves were stabbed a combined total of more than 150 times.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The documents summarise key findings from the autopsies conducted on each victim, though the full reports were not included.
Brutal injuries detailed
The filing shows that Goncalves was stabbed at least 38 times, Mogen 28 times, Kernodle 67 times, and Chapin 17 times.
Goncalves and Mogen were discovered together in Mogen’s bedroom. Both women died from multiple sharp force injuries, with Goncalves also sustaining blunt force trauma to the head and signs of asphyxia.
Her injuries included at least 24 stab or incised wounds to the scalp, face, and neck, 11 to the chest, and three to her upper limbs. The report also notes damage to teeth, tongue, and skull, along with internal bleeding in the chest cavity.
“The blunt force injuries suffered by Goncalves include scalp lacerations, bleeding around the brain, nasal fracture, bruising around the eyes, and patterned bruising extended across the lower face,” the filing states.
Mogen’s autopsy described 13 stab and incised wounds to the head and neck, five to the chest, and 10 to her arms. The filing details additional internal injuries, including “wounds to the lung and liver, perforations of the subclavian vein, artery, and blood vessels of the chest wall, and an incision of the nasal septum.”
Fight for survival
Chapin and Kernodle were found in her room, Chapin in the bed and Kernodle on the floor. Both also died from multiple sharp force injuries. Chapin’s autopsy identified one stab wound to the upper chest, four to the head and neck area, and several to the upper and lower limbs. He suffered damage to major blood vessels including “perforations of the jugular vein, subclavian vein, and subclavian artery.”
While investigators believe Mogen, Goncalves, and Chapin were likely asleep when attacked, the report confirms Kernodle was awake and fought back.
She sustained dozens of wounds: “23 stab and incised wounds of the scalp face and neck; seven stab wounds of the chest; four stab wounds of the abdomen; three incised and puncture wounds of the back; 25 incised wounds of the upper extremities; and five incised wounds of the lower extremities,” according to the filing.
Kernodle also had abrasions and bruises across her body and blood on the soles of her feet, which is evidence that she moved during the attack.
The clue that cracked the case
The autopsy examinations proved key for investigators, who discovered a KA-Bar knife sheath left at the scene, likely dropped when Kernodle confronted the killer. The sheath contained trace DNA that identified Kohberger as the suspect.
He later encountered one of the surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen, as he exited the home. That eyewitness account, paired with the DNA match, became crucial evidence for prosecutors.
Back in July, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in a deal that spared him the death penalty. He is now serving four life sentences.
