I Thought Prime Video’s One Night In Idaho: The College Murders Was Going To Be A Cold, Standard True Crime Docuseries, But It Turned Out To Be Something More

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In November 2022, the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students – Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin – made headlines worldwide and inspired numerous documentaries over the past decade. Initially, when I found out that Prime Video’s One Night in Idaho: The College Murders was set to air in 2025, I assumed it would be a typical true crime docuseries focusing on the investigation.

Instead, I found out through my Amazon subscription that contrary to expectations, this four-part series about Bryan Kohberger, who later admitted guilt for first-degree murder and burglary, was not just another standard documentary about his crimes. Instead, it was deeply personal, emotional, offering a more vivid portrayal of how the crimes affected the victims’ loved ones, and serving as a heartfelt tribute to the lives and legacies of the four college students who were tragically lost.

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While The Docuseries Doesn’t Feature The Investigators, It Does Emphasize the Impact The Crimes Had On The Friends And Family

Each episode of “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” starts with a warning that, because of a gag order, no one directly involved in the case is permitted to discuss the gruesome murder or the investigation. Consequently, the documentary series focuses more on the emotional aftermath experienced by the victims’ friends and relatives, rather than having detectives detail how they found the crime scene or traced evidence back to Bryan Kohberger.

From the start, sharing these stories makes them deeply intimate, tender, and unfiltered. I, along with other friends, family, and community members, describe not only the last evening of those who tragically passed away, but also how we’ve navigated the years since – the ups and downs, the challenges, and our resilience in the face of adversity.

The Docuseries Also Treats The Four Students As More Than Just Victims Of A Heinous Crime

Much like the engrossing 2020 documentary series, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which was also directed by renowned documentarian Liz Garbus (in collaboration with Matthew Galkin), One Night in Idaho: The College Murders offers a more comprehensive portrayal of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Rather than focusing solely on their tragic final days, this four-part docuseries delves into aspects of their individual lives as well.

Instead of primarily concentrating on the crime itself or the offender, Garbus and Galkin craft a moving tribute to honor the lives tragically taken during the night of November 2022. This approach assists viewers in gaining a clearer understanding of the profound loss that occurred in this situation.

I’m Going To Be Honest, This True Crime Show Broke Me Multiple Times

Throughout the docuseries, numerous heart-wrenching instances stood out, yet two left an indelible impression on me. In the opening episode, we hear from Ethan Chapin’s mother, Stacy, about a University of Idaho parents’ weekend encounter that she and her husband shared with Ethan’s girlfriend, Xana Kernodle. Unaware of the tragic events that would unfold mere days later, they felt a sense of pride in their parenting.

In stark contrast, the climax of the documentary was when Jim Chapin discussed his choice to bring his son’s remains home following the memorial service. Overwhelmed by an ordeal no parent should ever have to endure, this father longed to keep his child close, a sentiment that left me shattered. As a parent myself, such pain is unfathomable.

Viewing “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders” was akin to the heart-wrenching “Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father,” creating an intensely sad yet thought-provoking experience on Amazon Prime. This production, in my opinion, offers a profound and emotional examination of lives tragically ended prematurely.

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2025-07-23 20:40