The tragic Idaho murders case continues to grip the nation, with lingering questions surrounding the events of that fateful night. A new Prime Video docuseries, “One Night in Idaho,” attempts to provide answers, particularly focusing on why the surviving roommates waited several hours before calling 911. This article delves into the details revealed in the documentary, offering insights into the circumstances and perspectives of those involved.
The documentary features interviews with friends and family of the victims Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, painting a more complete picture of the events leading up to and following the murders. The delay in calling 911 has been a subject of intense scrutiny, and the documentary aims to address the reasons behind it, offering a nuanced understanding of the situation.
Key points explored include the perspectives of the surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, as well as accounts from their friends who were called to the house that morning. The article will also touch on the timeline of events, the emotional state of the roommates, and the information revealed in the probable cause affidavit.
The Timeline of the Idaho Murders and the 911 Call Delay
The murders occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 4:20 a.m. on November 13, 2022. However, the 911 call was not made until approximately 11:58 a.m. that same morning. This significant delay has fueled speculation and questions about the actions of the surviving roommates. According to the documentary, friends of the roommates, Hunter Johnson, Emily Alandt, and Josie Lauteren, were called to the house hours after the murders.
Emily Alandt recounted receiving a call from Dylan Mortensen, one of the surviving roommates, who expressed feeling scared and requested that they come to the house to check things out. Mortensen mentioned that something weird had happened the previous night and she wasn’t sure if she was dreaming. At the time, Mortensen and Funke were in the basement and had tried calling Xana Kernodle without success.
Alandt’s initial reaction was casual, even joking about bringing pepper spray. This reflects a sense of normalcy that preceded the horrifying discovery. The documentary emphasizes that the friends did not perceive the situation as an emergency, adding context to their delayed response.
The documentary suggests that the delay was due to a combination of factors, including shock, confusion, and a lack of immediate understanding of the severity of the situation.
The Surviving Roommates’ Perspective
The docuseries, “One Night in Idaho,” provides insights into the mindset of Dylan Mortensen. Friends of Mortensen suggest that she had experienced what she thought was a dream but later realized that something terrible had actually occurred. Text messages and phone records indicate that Mortensen went to Funke’s room in the basement around 4:20 a.m.
Mortensen, according to the probable cause affidavit, woke up around 4 a.m. and heard noises upstairs. She later saw a figure walking toward a sliding glass door and locked herself in her room after seeing the man, according to the affidavit.
The three friends in the docuseries cited shock and trauma response as reasons why it took hours for the call to be placed. “It wasn’t until the morning that (Mortensen) realized, holy s—, that couldn’t have been a dream,” Alandt said. “And that’s when I got my phone call from her, they hadn’t even gone upstairs or anything, she just called and said, ‘Something weird happened, I thought it was a dream, I’m not quite sure anymore. I tried to call everybody to wake them up and no one’s answering.’ And I was like, ‘OK, I’ll come over.’”
These details suggest that the roommates may have been in a state of denial or disbelief, struggling to comprehend the reality of what had transpired.
The Arrival of Friends and the 911 Call
Upon arriving at the house, Alandt and Lauteren noticed that Mortensen and Funke appeared frightened. Hunter Johnson had already entered the house and quickly realized the gravity of the situation. Lauteren described feeling that something was profoundly wrong as soon as she stepped inside.
Johnson, realizing the severity of the situation, urged the roommates to call 911. According to Alandt, Johnson carefully told them to report an unconscious person to avoid causing further panic. Lauteren recounted having to take the phone from Mortensen, who was in a state of hysteria, to provide the address to the 911 dispatcher.
Lauteren recalls Hunter shaking his head and telling her that the victims didn’t have a pulse. Despite this, Lauteren still hoped that paramedics could revive them, highlighting the disbelief and shock experienced by everyone present. “I had to take the phone from her because she was so completely hysterical,” Lauteren said. “They’re like ‘What’s the address, what’s the address, what’s the address?’ and I was like, ‘1122 King Road.’”
This sequence of events underscores the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere that contributed to the delayed 911 call.
Official Statements and Investigation
Police have said the 911 call came in around 11:58 a.m., several hours after the estimated time of the murders. The official transcript of the 911 call reveals that the caller stated, “Something happened in our house. We don’t know what.” This statement reflects the confusion and uncertainty that persisted even hours after the murders.
Bryan Kohberger was arrested about six weeks after the killings and has been charged with the murder of Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle, and Chapin. He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder and one count of felony burglary. He faces a potential sentence of life in prison.
The documentary and subsequent reporting provide valuable context to the timeline of events, highlighting the complex factors that influenced the actions of those involved.
The friends in the docuseries cited shock and trauma response as reasons why it took hours for the call to be placed. “It wasn’t until the morning that (Mortensen) realized, holy s—, that couldn’t have been a dream,” Alandt said.
Conclusion: Understanding the Delay
The “One Night in Idaho” docuseries offers a detailed exploration into the reasons behind the delayed 911 call in the Idaho murders case. Through interviews with friends of the victims and insights into the surviving roommates’ perspectives, the documentary sheds light on the complex emotional and psychological factors that contributed to the delay.
Key takeaways from the documentary include the initial disbelief and confusion of the roommates, their reliance on friends for support, and the gradual realization of the severity of the situation. The documentary underscores the importance of understanding trauma and shock responses in crisis situations.
Ultimately, the documentary encourages viewers to consider the human element in this tragic case, moving beyond speculation and judgment to foster a more compassionate understanding of the events that unfolded. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact of trauma and the importance of empathy in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The Kohberger trial continues to unfold, bringing more awareness to the case, as he faces up to life in prison after pleading not guilty to four counts of murder and one count of felony burglary on July 2.
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