“One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” takes on fresh urgency with recent revelations that could reshape the high-profile case and the forthcoming trial. A woman claiming to be the DoorDash driver who delivered food to victim Xana Kernodle just before the November 13, 2022, killings has emerged as a potential second eyewitness. Captured during a September 2024 DUI stop, she reportedly told officers she “parked right next to” the accused, Bryan Kohberger—marking a surprising twist that may play a pivotal role in court.
Kohberger, a Washington State University Ph.D. student, faces four counts of first-degree murder and one of felony burglary. His trial, expected to begin in August 2025 in Boise, was already under scrutiny due to intense pretrial publicity. Defense attorneys request delays, citing media leaks from specials like NBC’s Dateline, the upcoming docuseries, and a forthcoming book. Prosecutors argue the defense has sufficient resources and that strict measures like gag orders and venue changes ensure procedural fairness.
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The docuseries One Night in Idaho, premiering on Amazon Prime Video July 11, 2025, dives into both the attorneys' preparations and the emotional aftermath for victims’ families—Chapin and Mogen's parents featured prominently for the first time. The film also includes interviews with the first friends who discovered the bodies, lending a haunting and human perspective to the tragic events. Their early-morning shock, captured through visceral 911 calls and vivid retellings, underscores the gravity of the crime and its lingering effects on a tight-knit community.
Controversy surrounds the timing of the docuseries. Critics warn that pre-trial flurries—including DoorDash revelations, selfie evidence, and detailed documentaries—could taint jury pools. Legal observers stress that jurors aim to understand motive and context; anything that sways public sentiment outside the court could impact due process. Still, the documentary’s compassionate approach—crafted by directors Liz Garbus and Matthew Galkin—seems intent on honoring victim narratives rather than sensationalizing crime. The production’s strength lies in giving survivors and families a voice, not just cold facts, promising a sensitive and deeply personal account.
As trial preparations intensify, the addition of a second eyewitness may bolster the prosecution's timeline. Prosecutors have already tied Kohberger to the scene via phone and DNA data; now, the DoorDash driver’s account could add visual corroboration, provided her statements withstand credibility challenges linked to the DUI incident. Ultimately, whether the new testimony leads to a postponement or supports the prosecutor’s August timeline remains to be seen. Meanwhile, One Night in Idaho promises an unflinching yet empathetic dive into tragedy, legal drama, and the human toll behind the headlines.
