In a chilling twist in the University of Idaho murder investigation, prosecutors say accused killer Bryan Kohberger was on the phone with his mother less than two hours after allegedly stabbing four students to death — and experts believe the call timeline shatters his alibi.
Digital forensics expert Heather Barnhart told PEOPLE that the phone data doesn’t just raise eyebrows — it completely undercuts Kohberger’s version of events from that night.
The Night of the Murders — A Detailed Timeline
According to prosecutors, the deadly attack unfolded in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, inside the students’ off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. The victims — Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin — were found brutally stabbed, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Phone Activity Breakdown:
- 2:54 AM – 4:48 AM: Kohberger’s phone is mysteriously switched off, despite having a full battery — exactly during the window of the murders.
- ~6:00 AM: Prosecutors allege Kohberger returns to his Washington State University apartment after the killings.
- 6:13 AM: He attempts to call his mother.
- 6:17 AM: Kohberger connects with his mom, speaking for 36 minutes.
- After 6:53 AM: Calls his father after failing to reach his mother earlier.
- 8:03 AM: Rings his mom again for 54 minutes, right when investigators say he was driving back toward the crime scene area.
- 9:00 AM: Another call to his mother lasting 9 minutes, just minutes after leaving the crime scene vicinity.
By the end of that day, Kohberger and his mother had spoken for more than three hours total.
Why This Timeline Matters
Barnhart says the timeline is a major blow to Kohberger’s original claim that he was “stargazing and taking photos” during the murders — an alibi that would have required his phone to be on and active.
“If he were using his phone to take pictures of the stars, there would be evidence of activity. Instead, the device was powered down during the murders,” Barnhart explained.
That deliberate phone shutdown, investigators say, suggests conscious effort to conceal movements — a key detail prosecutors plan to hammer home in court.
The Alleged Return to the Scene
The most disturbing part of the call log?
The second 54-minute conversation with his mother at 8:03 AM — coinciding with what prosecutors believe was Kohberger’s return drive toward the victims’ home. This alleged return trip has long fueled speculation that the suspect may have been trying to cover his tracks or retrieve something left behind.
The Victims Remembered
The murders of Madison, Kaylee, Xana, and Ethan devastated the tight-knit college community. Friends and family have described them as:
- Madison Mogen: A bright, loving spirit with a passion for fashion.
- Kaylee Goncalves: Known for her fierce loyalty to friends and adventurous soul.
- Xana Kernodle: A fun-loving, vibrant personality who lit up every room.
- Ethan Chapin: A kind, athletic young man loved by all who knew him.
Their loss continues to ripple through Moscow, Idaho, as the case moves toward trial.
Kohberger’s Legal Battle Ahead
Kohberger, a 29-year-old former criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder. He remains held without bail as prosecutors prepare to seek the death penalty.
The newly revealed phone evidence will likely be a centerpiece in upcoming proceedings — a point prosecutors believe dismantles his defense.
Public Reaction
News of the call log has reignited intense online discussions. On forums and social media, true crime enthusiasts and locals alike are stunned by the timeline.
Comments flooding X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok include:
- “This is beyond chilling. The audacity to call his mom after that.”
- “If this is true, his alibi is toast.”
- “The victims and their families deserve justice ASAP.”
What’s Next
The trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched in recent history, drawing national attention not just for its brutality, but for the bizarre behavior prosecutors allege Kohberger displayed before and after the murders.
Investigators continue to piece together a detailed digital footprint — including cell tower pings, GPS tracking, and now, the damning phone calls — that they say will connect Kohberger to the crime beyond reasonable doubt.
Do you think this phone evidence seals the case against Bryan Kohberger? Share your thoughts below, and keep following The Pop Radar for every chilling update in this courtroom battle.