The Five Most Shocking Revelations From Dateline’s ‘The Terrible Night On King Road’ And The Latest Trial Status
The Dateline special, "The Terrible Night on King Road," remains one of the most comprehensive and chilling examinations of the 2022 University of Idaho student murders, a case that has gripped the nation and dominated true crime headlines for years. Airing initially in 2023, the two-hour episode, anchored by veteran correspondent Keith Morrison, promised and delivered "exclusive new details" and "never-before-reported evidence" that provided a deeper look into the investigation, the victims, and the accused, Bryan Kohberger. As of December 21, 2025, the case is far from over, with the highly anticipated trial facing significant delays.
This in-depth special from the NBC News program is essential viewing for anyone following the tragic events at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho. It expertly weaves together the known details of the quadruple homicide with fresh perspectives, including interviews with those close to the victims and new insights into the suspect's movements and alleged behavior leading up to his arrest.
The Victims: Biography and Profiles of the Four University of Idaho Students
The core of "The Terrible Night on King Road" is the profound loss of four vibrant young lives. The Dateline episode dedicated significant time to honoring the memories of the victims, showcasing who they were before the horrific events of November 13, 2022. Their biographies serve as a poignant reminder of the tragedy's scale.
- Kaylee Goncalves: A 21-year-old senior from Rathdrum, Idaho, Kaylee was a free spirit who was planning to graduate early. She was close friends with Madison Mogen, and the two were often inseparable. Kaylee was preparing for a move to Austin, Texas, with her dog, Murphy.
- Madison "Maddie" Mogen: Also a 21-year-old senior from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Madison was majoring in marketing. She and Kaylee were lifelong best friends, often referred to as a duo. They were together at a local bar, The Corner Club, hours before the attack.
- Xana Kernodle: A 20-year-old junior from Avondale, Arizona, Xana was majoring in marketing. She was known for her bright personality and relationship with Ethan Chapin. Xana was working toward a career in public relations.
- Ethan Chapin: A 20-year-old freshman from Mount Vernon, Washington, Ethan was studying recreation, sport, and tourism management. He was Xana's boyfriend and was staying at the King Road house that night. He was a triplet and had two siblings, Maizie and Hunter.
5 Exclusive Details Revealed in the Dateline Special
The two-hour Dateline special was a must-watch event because it went beyond the initial affidavit and press conferences, providing context and new lines of inquiry that had not been widely discussed in the public sphere. Here are five of the most significant revelations and insights from "The Terrible Night on King Road."
1. The Peculiar Text Message from Bryan Kohberger
One of the most talked-about segments featured an interview with a former graduate student, identified only as "Holly," who attended the same program as Bryan Kohberger at Washington State University (WSU). Holly revealed a "peculiar" text message she received from Kohberger prior to the murders. The text was reportedly an unusual, almost aggressive communication that left her feeling uneasy, painting a picture of the accused's strange social interactions.
2. The Connection Between the Victims and the Suspect
The episode delved into the possibility of a connection between Bryan Kohberger and two of the victims, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen. Members of Kaylee’s family shared their belief and information they had uncovered suggesting a potential link between Kohberger, Kaylee, and Madison, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative that the crime was purely random. This detail sparked intense speculation in the true crime community.
3. The Alleged Obsession with Infamous Serial Killers
The Dateline special highlighted evidence suggesting Kohberger's alleged fascination with notorious criminals. The program reported on phone data and other information showing that the accused was allegedly researching infamous serial killer Ted Bundy around the time of the 2022 murders. This detail provided insight into the mind of the suspect, suggesting a dark interest in the mechanics of violent crime.
4. The Person Who Was Supposed to Be in the House
The investigation has always focused on the six people who were at the King Road residence that night: the four victims and the two surviving roommates. "The Terrible Night on King Road" addressed the lesser-known detail of another person who was reportedly supposed to be at the house that night but was absent. This detail underscores the sheer randomness and near-misses surrounding the tragic night.
5. Never-Before-Seen Video and New Insights
Correspondent Keith Morrison and producer Shane Bishop spent months working on the special, which allowed them to obtain "unseen video" and "new insights" into the investigation. While specific footage is not always detailed, this access gave the episode a fresh perspective on the timeline, the movements of the White Hyundai Elantra, and the DNA evidence that ultimately led to Kohberger's arrest in Pennsylvania.
How to Watch ‘The Terrible Night on King Road’ and Latest Trial Updates
For those looking to watch the definitive special, "The Terrible Night on King Road" is available for streaming. The two-hour episode can be streamed on Peacock, which hosts the entire Dateline library. It is also typically available on the official NBC.com website and the NBC app for on-demand viewing shortly after its initial air date.
The Current Status of the Bryan Kohberger Trial (December 2025 Update)
The legal proceedings against Bryan Kohberger, who faces four counts of first-degree murder, have been characterized by delays and complex legal maneuvers. As of late 2025, the trial remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent memory.
The most significant and current update is the postponement of the trial. Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the Bryan Kohberger trial has been officially rescheduled to begin on August 11, 2025. Jury selection is slated to commence weeks earlier, on July 30, 2025, in Latah County, Idaho. These delays are common in complex capital murder cases, allowing both the defense and prosecution ample time to review the massive amount of discovery and prepare their arguments, including the use of DNA and cell phone data evidence.
The defense continues to challenge the evidence and the prosecution’s timeline. The ongoing legal wrangling over evidence disclosure, venue change, and the death penalty decision ensures that the King Road murders case will remain in the headlines until a verdict is finally reached, making "The Terrible Night on King Road" an essential piece of context for understanding the full scope of this monumental true crime story.
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