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

Surviving Roommate Mistook Friend for Drunk, Not Realizing She Was Dead

One of the surviving roommates of the four University of Idaho students allegedly killed by Bryan Kohberger initially thought her friend was passed out drunk and didn’t immediately call the police, a new court ruling has revealed.

After a night of partying, Dylan Mortensen heard strange noises and crying before seeing a man dressed in black with a ski mask walking by her bedroom door around 4:00 a.m., according to a recent decision by Boise District Court Judge Steven Hippler.

Mortensen immediately contacted her roommate, Bethany Funke, through text, expressing her fear and confusion about the situation. Their text exchange revealed Mortensen’s increasing panic and reluctance to believe that something serious was happening.

Despite noticing Xana Kernodle lying on the floor of her bedroom, Mortensen assumed she was drunk and continued towards Funke’s room. It wasn’t until roughly eight hours later that the roommates finally called 911 after discovering the tragic fate of Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin in their off-campus housing.

Despite the delay in calling for help, the roommates were in constant communication, trying to make sense of the situation. Mortensen’s text messages to the victims and the eventual 911 call from Funke revealed their confusion and shock at the events that unfolded.

The details of the text messages and the 911 call were brought to light in Hippler’s order, outlining the evidence to be presented at Kohberger’s upcoming trial in August. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and burglary charges and could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.