Key facts
- Autopsy reports for the University of Idaho student victims have been unsealed.
- All four victims suffered multiple sharp-force injuries.
- Victims endured a high degree of pain and/or suffering during the attack.
- A Ka-Bar knife is the suspected murder weapon.
- One victim suffered blunt-force injuries and signs of asphyxia.
- Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty and is serving life sentences.
Unsealed autopsy reports for the four University of Idaho students murdered in November 2022 reveal the victims endured significant pain and suffering during the attack. Dr. Veena Singh, Spokane's chief medical examiner, found that all four victims sustained multiple sharp-force injuries consistent with a Ka-Bar knife, believed to be the murder weapon. Some injuries may have resulted from different parts of the weapon. Kaylee Goncalves, 21, also suffered blunt-force injuries to her face, signs of asphyxia, and an unidentified object may have been used to cover her mouth. Xana Kernodle, 20, was the only victim not asleep during the attack and sustained defensive wounds on her hands and arms. Bryan Kohberger, who was studying criminology nearby, pleaded guilty to the murders to avoid the death penalty and is currently serving multiple life sentences. The reports were unsealed as part of ongoing court proceedings.