Unravel the interviews and insights from the Idaho college murder case in this compelling documentary
The new Amazon Prime documentary, "One Night In Idaho: The College Murders," offers a poignant and revealing account of the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students on November 13, 2022, in an off-campus house [1][2]. The series delves into the lives of the victims, their families, and friends, providing personal insights and emotional accounts of the tragedy and its aftermath.
The documentary highlights the trauma experienced by those close to the victims, with firsthand stories from friends who discovered the crime scene. Hunter Johnson, for instance, helped shield others from the gruesome reality but faced suspicion from internet investigators [2][3]. The series also humanises the victims, portraying them as vibrant individuals with rich social lives and close relationships [4].
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the documentary for its emotional depth, revealing personal stories, and new details about the case that were not widely known before its release [3]. The series is commended for humanising the victims and illustrating how their families cope with grief and seek healing [4].
However, the documentary has also sparked discussions about the impact of internet true crime enthusiasts on the victims and their families. Some viewers criticised these enthusiasts for attacking the surviving friends in the case [3]. This aspect of the documentary underscores the potential harm that can come from armchair detectives trying to find the suspect for themselves, including taking drastic actions like showing up to the crime scene to look for clues [1].
Bryan Kohberger, the perpetrator, was arrested on December 30, 2022, and pled guilty to avoid the death penalty. He was sentenced on July 23, 2025, receiving four life sentences for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen [5]. The documentary features interviews with the parents of Ethan Chapin and Madison Mogen, fellow students, and people who knew Kohberger [6].
Kim Kardashian, among others, has expressed heartbreak over the new details in the documentary. One viewer found the series to be well-done but the most depressing thing they have ever watched, while another described it as a heartbreaking watch [7]. Despite its emotional intensity, the documentary is a must-see for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this tragic event and the impact it has had on the lives of those involved.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Idaho-College-Murders/dp/B0B7XJKD75 [2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/11/us/university-idaho-murders-documentary-amazon/index.html [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/arts/television/one-night-in-idaho-documentary-review.html [4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/one-night-in-idaho-documentary-review/2025/07/11/a59d918a-6774-11ed-871f-f7753289a8e1_story.html [5] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bryan-kohberger-sentenced-to-life-without-parole-in-murders-of-university-of-idaho-students/ [6] https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a41036295/one-night-in-idaho-documentary-review/ [7] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/07/11/one-night-idaho-documentary-review-amazon-prime-university-idaho-murders/10294388002/
The documentary sheds light on the general-news event, the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students, and delves into the impact of the crime-and-justice case on those involved, including friends who witnessed the crime scene and became targets of internet true crime enthusiasts. The series also discusses the sentencing of the perpetrator, Bryan Kohberger, and features interviews with victims' families and friends, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this tragic event in the realm of politics and society.
