Idaho Prosecutor Suggests Potential Second Weapon in Kohberger Case
Idaho prosecutor Bill Thompson has indicated that investigators cannot dismiss the possibility of a second weapon being used in the murders of four University of Idaho students. In an interview, he posited that the surviving roommate, Dylan Mortensen, may have been spared because the assailant panicked and fled.
Thompson noted that certain injuries on victim Kaylee Goncalves, who was 21, seemed attributable to a source other than the knife employed during the incident. However, he refrained from making definitive claims about the existence of an additional weapon.
"There were injuries that seemed to indicate a cause apart from the knife, although it’s possible the knife may have contributed," Thompson stated. "I don’t think we can rule out the chance of another weapon being involved."
The details regarding the horrifying attack from November 2022 on Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin have been revealed in court documents. According to recently released records from the Moscow Police Department, Goncalves suffered "more than 20 stab wounds" in addition to blunt-force injuries.
On the question of why Mortensen remained unharmed despite encountering Kohberger as he exited through the rental property’s sliding door, Thompson suggested that Kohberger’s unexpected circumstances led to his hasty departure.
"Based on Dylan’s account, it’s hard for me to believe that the killer didn’t see her," Thompson remarked. “He had likely overstayed his welcome in the house and had killed more individuals than he intended. It’s plausible that he was frightened and decided to leave, possibly unaware if law enforcement had already been notified.”
Mortensen recounted to authorities that she observed an intruder with "bushy eyebrows" during the attacks on the night at 1122 King Road in Moscow, claiming he stated he was "here to help."
James Fry, former chief of the Moscow Police Department, noted that several theories exist regarding Mortensen’s survival, one being that Kohberger may have been fatigued from the multiple killings.
"Only he has that answer," Fry expressed to an outlet.
Thompson further underscored the vital importance of DNA evidence in the case. He stated, “From our viewpoint as prosecutors, the DNA was essential for the robustness of the case in court.” He added that without the DNA link to the knife sheath, obtaining a conviction could have been exceedingly difficult.
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office.
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