DNA Riches Paved the Way for a Breakthrough
When the bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022, investigators faced a brutal crime scene.
Police recovered a Ka-Bar knife sheath beside one of the victims. It bore male DNA that would become central to the case.
Othram, the forensic genetic genealogy company, later revealed that this DNA sample was far richer than typical crime-scene samples. The company’s founder, David Mittelman, said they found “hundreds of times” more DNA than is normally recovered.
Because the sample was strong and clean, Othram was able to generate a high-resolution SNP profile within 48 hours. That expedited their genealogical matching process and helped investigators zero in quickly.
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Genealogy Traced to an American Family with Italian Roots
The genetic genealogy didn’t immediately name a suspect. Instead, it flagged a multigenerational American family that had Italian ancestry only in isolated branches.
From there, investigators began building a family tree that eventually intersected with Bryan Kohberger, a Pennsylvania native who was enrolled at Washington State University in nearby Pullman, Washington—just 10 miles from the crime scene.
Because Kohberger’s DNA wasn’t in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) due to his lack of a criminal record, the genealogical lead was essential.
From Lead to Arrest: Timeline of the Investigation
- Late November 2022: Police collected the DNA sample from the knife sheath.
- Thanksgiving 2022: Othram began work and delivered a usable profile in about 48 hours.
- Late December 2022: Investigators collected trash from Kohberger’s parents’ home in Pennsylvania. That DNA matched the genealogical line from the sheath sample.
- December 30, 2022: Authorities raided Kohberger’s parents’ home and arrested him.
Investigators had also tracked a white Hyundai Elantra—matching Kohberger’s—and cellphone data that placed him near the victims’ home.
Legal Battle Over the DNA Evidence
Kohberger’s defense team tried to have the DNA evidence suppressed, arguing that it was improperly collected and used.
However, prosecutors successfully defended the admissibility of the evidence. With the DNA standing strong in court, Kohberger ultimately entered a guilty plea in July 2025, avoiding the death penalty.
He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms plus 10 years and waived his right to appeal or seek future sentence reductions.
What This Case Means for Genetic Genealogy Going Forward
Othram executives believe the Idaho case marks a turning point in how modern law enforcement uses DNA to solve crimes.
- The abundance and high quality of the DNA made genealogical matching faster and more accurate than in many other cases.
- The company is advocating for real-time access to such investigative tools, arguing that suspects like Kohberger could be caught earlier and prevent further crimes.
- The success of this case has reignited debate over integrating investigative genetic genealogy earlier in homicide investigations, rather than reserving it only for cold cases.
