On Sunday, Nov. 13, my TikTok feed was flooded with talk of an unfamiliar city, Moscow, Idaho. Upon further scrolling, I made a heartbreaking discovery: four students at the University of Idaho were fatally stabbed in their own house.
I became all too familiar with the names Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves after that day. Between reading news stories, talking with my roommates and watching YouTube videos, I felt that I knew all there was to know, which in hindsight, was very little.
They caught the man allegedly responsible for the crime, Bryan Kohberger, just five hours from my hometown. While this case was already quite terrifying, my stomach turned upon learning this information.
Besides the obvious, the most disturbing part about him is that he was a Ph.D. criminology student at the time of the murders. He knew what to do and what not to do. For lack of a better comparison, imagine a pre-med student intentionally killing someone in the operating room as they know exactly what they are supposed to not do. It is truly a terrifying thought. It only bought him six weeks, though, thankfully.
Another obvious red flag went viral on social media after Kohberger’s arrest. On Reddit, he posted a survey that asked people who have committed a crime for anonymous feedback on questions such as: “Did you prepare for the crime before leaving your home?,” “Why did you choose that victim or target over others?,” “What was the first move you made to accomplish your goal?” and “After committing the crime, what were you thinking and feeling?” Such posts are easy to scroll by with the thought that it is for a criminology student. Knowing it most likely inspired Kohberger’s crime, however, morphs it into one of the creepiest things I have ever seen.
Many true crime junkies took to analyzing this case. It was a rare case as there was and still is no clear motive, no weapon was found and only four out of six people in the house were killed. I recall seeing videos proposing ideas that the other two roommates, the neighbor and even a local employee could be involved in the crime. While such theories are dangerous as they lead to online hate, the Moscow Police Department expressed gratitude to all the people who sent in tips during a press conference. Perhaps the fact that this case went viral on social media is the only reason their families may receive justice.
While the trial for this case is just beginning, I can only hope that justice is served for the students’ families in whatever way that may mean to them.
Layne Rey is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
