Why Bryan Kohberger murdered four University of Idaho students — and whether he was specifically targeting one of them — may never be fully known. Kohberger has not spoken publicly about the killings.
A recently unsealed court filing obtained by an outlet reveals that Kohberger may have used two weapons on one victim, according to an expert consulted by the defense.
Dr. Brent Tarvey, a forensic criminologist retained by Kohberger’s legal team, wrote that Kaylee Goncalves was attacked with two different weapons and suffered two different kinds of injuries, based on his review of her autopsy report. Portions of that review appear in the unsealed filing.
Tarvey’s conclusion was presented to support his argument that two people carried out the attack — a claim prosecutors reject. In the filing, Tarvey wrote:
“At least two suspects were involved in this attack. This is indicated by the fact that multiple weapons were used against Kaylee; that multiple types of lethal force were used against Kaylee.”
Prosecutors responded that one person can inflict multiple types of injuries and use more than one weapon, writing:
“A single perpetrator can certainly use more than one weapon and can use multiple types of lethal force.”
While prosecutors disputed the inference that there were two attackers, they did not directly challenge Tarvey’s determination that two weapons were used against Goncalves.
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The use of a second weapon was previously discussed publicly by Goncalves’ parents after Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025. The unsealed filing marks the first time an expert is shown stating they believe a second weapon was involved.
Exactly what that second weapon may have been remains unclear. Goncalves’ parents have previously said the second weapon was used on their daughter’s face during the attack.
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Injuries Described as More Extensive Than the Other Victims
The filing describes Goncalves as having injuries that differed from the other three victims. In addition to sharp-force wounds, she suffered blunt-force injuries to the head and other trauma, including:
- scalp laceration
- bleeding around the brain
- nasal fracture
- scrapes on the nose and cheeks
- bruising around the eyes
- patterned bruises extending across the lower face
She was also described as the only victim whose wounds were so severe that the medical examiner could not determine an exact count. The filing states her injuries were concentrated on her scalp, face, and neck, and that she was stabbed at least 24 times in those areas. She was also described as the only victim to have injuries involving the teeth and tongue.
Goncalves and her best friend, Madison Mogen, who was killed alongside her, were both reported to have died of multiple sharp-force wounds. Their injuries were described as being above the waist, and their autopsy reports indicated neither of them stood up during the attack — suggesting they likely woke up as the stabbing began.
The filing also suggests it is possible Kohberger may have intended to use the second weapon on Mogen as well, but may have changed course after roommate Xana Kernodle encountered him before she was killed.
Kohberger is now serving four life sentences and has not spoken publicly about the murders.
The Idaho Statesman has reported that Idaho lawmakers are considering a “Son-of-Sam” law, which would bar prisoners from profiting from their crimes.
