Dylan Mortensen is asking a judge to keep her face obscured when sealed records in the Bryan Kohberger case are released, saying years of harassment and threats have left her worried about her safety.
“It has changed how I interact with people, where I feel comfortable going, and how much public information I feel safe sharing.” — Dylan Mortensen
Mortensen survived the Nov. 13, 2022, killings at her off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. She saw Kohberger leave the house where University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were stabbed to death.
In a motion to intervene ahead of the planned release, she describes how public scrutiny has followed her since that night, affecting where she goes, her interactions with others and what she feels safe sharing about herself.
“People who have never met me have formed opinions about my character, questioned my actions and accused me of things that I had absolutely nothing to do with,” Mortensen wrote.
She’s been targeted by false conspiracy theories about her involvement in the killings and criticism over why she didn’t immediately call 911. Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves, has publicly said the victims’ injuries meant an earlier call wouldn’t have saved their lives.
Mortensen’s request asks the court to weigh public access against the consequences for someone who’s already endured threats alongside the loss of her friends.
“I understand the importance of transparency and why the public has an interest in this case. However, I hope the court will … consider the impact that removing these protections could have on my privacy, personal safety, and ability to move forward with my life,” she wrote.
Kohberger pleaded guilty in a deal that spared him the death penalty. He’s since petitioned for post-conviction relief, seeking a trial. A trial would depend on a judge setting aside his guilty pleas.
Mortensen spoke at his July 23, 2025, sentencing hearing in Boise, describing her continuing fear and the friends she’d lost.
“Because of him, four beautiful, genuine, compassionate people were taken from this world for no reason,” she told the court. “He didn’t just take their lives, he took their light that carried into every room.”