“The Terrible Night on King Road”: Dateline Reports on University of Idaho Homicides May 9 2025

This Friday, May 9, 2025, at 9/8c, Dateline NBC will premiere “The Terrible Night on King Road,” a two-hour investigation into the high-profile murders of four University of Idaho students. Correspondent Keith Morrison leads viewers through the chilling details of the November 2022 slayings in Moscow, Idaho, as well as the arrest and prosecution of the accused killer, Bryan Kohberger. The episode promises exclusive interviews, previously unreleased evidence, and new insight into a case that has gripped the nation since the crime occurred.

The program features conversations with those who encountered Kohberger during his time as a Ph.D. student in criminology at Washington State University. Among them is former graduate student Holly, who recounts meeting Kohberger at a pool party, exchanging phone numbers, and receiving a strangely formal text from him the following day. The episode also includes an emotional interview with the mother of one of the victims’ best friends, providing a deeply personal perspective on the victims and the devastating impact of their loss.

The Murders on King Road: A Brutal Crime Shocks a College Town

In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students—Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves—were killed in an off-campus rental house on King Road in Moscow, Idaho. The victims, ranging in age from 20 to 21, were all found stabbed to death, with no apparent signs of forced entry into the home. The attack, which occurred as some of the victims were sleeping, stunned the close-knit college community and led to an intense investigation spanning several states.

Authorities worked tirelessly to piece together evidence, analyzing security footage, digital records, and witness accounts. In December 2022, Bryan Kohberger, then a 28-year-old Ph.D. student studying criminal justice and criminology at Washington State University in nearby Pullman, Washington, was arrested in Pennsylvania and extradited to Idaho. Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary for allegedly entering the home with the intent to commit a crime.

Bryan Kohberger’s Background and the Path to His Arrest

Bryan Kohberger was known to his classmates as an academically focused and socially awkward individual. He had completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in criminal justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania before enrolling in the doctoral program at Washington State University. During his studies, Kohberger reportedly expressed an interest in criminal behavior and had even posted research questions online seeking input from individuals who had committed crimes.

The investigation into Kohberger’s involvement included surveillance footage of a white Hyundai Elantra, digital phone records indicating movements near the crime scene, and DNA evidence reportedly linking him to a knife sheath found at the murder site. His arrest followed weeks of law enforcement efforts to trace his activities before and after the murders, culminating in a traffic stop and collection of DNA from his family home.

The Trial and Legal Proceedings Against Kohberger

Following his arrest, Kohberger pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty, despite the defense revealing that Kohberger had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Pre-trial hearings have focused on the admissibility of evidence, including surveillance footage and statements from witnesses.

Kohberger’s trial is scheduled to begin this summer at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, with jury selection set for July 30, 2025. The trial is expected to last several weeks and will be closely followed by both local residents and national media outlets. Legal experts have noted the complexity of the case, citing the challenge of balancing forensic evidence with circumstantial details about Kohberger’s behavior and movements.

New Details and Personal Accounts Revealed in the Dateline Episode

“The Terrible Night on King Road” offers viewers additional context about Kohberger’s interactions prior to the murders. Former graduate student Holly recounts meeting Kohberger at a pool party in the summer of 2022, where they spoke briefly before exchanging phone numbers. Holly later received a text message from Kohberger that stood out for its formal tone, reading: “Hey I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday. I really enjoy that activity so please let me know. Thanks!” Holly describes the message as unsettling in hindsight, noting that it felt overly formal and detached.

The episode also includes interviews with friends and family members of the victims, shedding light on their lives and dreams that were tragically cut short. One interview features the mother of Madison Mogen’s best friend, who speaks about the profound loss felt by the victims’ inner circle. Through these personal stories, Dateline seeks to humanize the victims and explore the emotional toll of the crime on their loved ones.

The Ongoing Impact of the Idaho Murders

As Kohberger’s trial approaches, the community in Moscow continues to grapple with the tragedy. The case has sparked debates about campus safety, privacy, and the psychological profile of the accused. Families of the victims have called for justice and transparency as they await the legal process to unfold.

“The Terrible Night on King Road” aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of both the investigation and the people affected by the crime. By combining exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and newly disclosed evidence, Dateline offers a comprehensive look at one of the most haunting murder cases in recent memory.

Viewers can tune in to Dateline NBC this Friday, May 9, 2025, at 9/8c to watch the full special report.