Why University of Idaho murders survivor waited hours to call cops after finding roommate dead

One of nan surviving roommates of nan 4 University of Idaho students allegedly killed by Bryan Kohberger didn’t instantly telephone constabulary because she thought her friend was passed retired drunk — not realizing she was apt already dead, a caller tribunal ruling reveals.

After a nighttime retired partying, Dylan Mortensen “heard unusual noises and crying” earlier opening her chamber doorway and seeing “a man dressed successful achromatic pinch a skis disguise connected stepping by her chamber door” astir 4 a.m., according to a caller determination by Boise District Judge Steven Hippler.

Mortensen past sewage connected nan telephone pinch nan different surviving roommate, Bethany Funke, and texted furiously. “I’m freaking retired rn,” she wrote, adding, “I’m not kidding o [sic] americium truthful freaked out.”

“So americium I,” Funke texted her backmost earlier encouraging Mortensen to travel to her room.

The roommate “began moving toward” Funke’s room and “on her way, she noticed Xana [Kernodle] lying connected nan level of her bedroom,” but Mortensen “thought Xana was drunk,” nan judge’s bid explains, citing nan surviving roommates’ communications.

Funke and Mortensen didn’t extremity up calling 911 until astir 8 hours aft Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin were slain successful their off-campus lodging successful Moscow, Idaho, connected Nov. 13, 2022.

But nan duo sent galore messages earlier emerging from Funke’s room and trying to portion together what had happened.

Mortensen texted Goncalves astatine 4:32 a.m., “Pls answer” and texted Mogen astatine 10:23 a.m. “R u up” and past astir 11:20 a.m. she texted Goncalves again saying, “R u up??”

Finally astatine 11:56 a.m., Funke called 911 saying, “something is happening. Something’s happened successful our location and we don’t cognize what,” nan tribunal papers reveal.

The contents of matter messages and a 911 call, which laic retired Mortensen and Funke’s actions pursuing nan killings, were revealed successful Hippler’s bid astir what grounds could beryllium presented to nan assemblage astatine nan upcoming August proceedings and what grounds would beryllium blocked arsenic hearsay.

Kohberger has pleaded not blameworthy successful nan quadruple homicide lawsuit and could look nan decease punishment if convicted.