Newly released court documents have revealed the frightening text messages exchanged by the two surviving roommates during the 2022 University of Idaho murders while Bryan Kohberger was inside the house.
Bryan Kohberger, 31, is serving four consecutive life sentences after pleading guilty to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, who were fatally stabbed at their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.
As the attacks unfolded, roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke became increasingly alarmed by what they were hearing inside the home.
“I’m freaking out”
According to court records released by the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office, Mortensen began texting Funke shortly after 4:20 a.m., saying she was confused and frightened.
DM to BF: “No one is answering”
DM to BF: “I’m rlly confused rn.”
DM to Kaylee Goncalves: “Kaylee”
DM to Kaylee Goncalves: “What’s going on”
BF to DM: “Ya dude wtf”
BF to DM: “Xana was wearing all black”
DM to BF: “I’m freaking out rn”
DM to BF: “No it’s like ski mask almost”
BF to DM: “Stfu”
BF to DM: “Actually”
DM to BF: “Like he had soemtbinf over is for head and little nd mouth”
DM to BF: “BF I’m not kidding o am so freaked out”
BF to DM: “So am I”
DM to BF: “My phone is going to die f***”
BF to DM: “Come to my room”
BF to DM: “Run”
BF to DM: “Down here”
The messages were exchanged over the course of just a few minutes as the violence was taking place elsewhere in the house.
A delay that has drawn questions
The text exchange occurred hours before a 911 call was placed just before noon.
Investigators have said the surviving roommates did not realize their friends had been killed. After several hours, friends were called to the house, leading to the emergency call reporting an unconscious person.
When officers arrived, they discovered the four victims.
The time between the attacks and the 911 call has been widely discussed, but investigators have never alleged that either surviving roommate committed a crime.
Experts interviewed in documentaries about the case have said people experiencing extreme trauma may freeze, hide, or struggle to understand what is happening around them.
Kohberger’s motive remains unknown
Although Kohberger admitted to the killings as part of a plea agreement, he has never publicly explained why he carried out the attack.
Various observers and documentaries have offered theories, but no official motive has ever been established by investigators or the court.
In July 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, receiving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with an additional prison term for burglary.
More recently, Kohberger has sought to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming he is innocent despite his conviction. His request is now part of ongoing legal proceedings.
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