Digest

This episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace delves into the Idaho student murders, focusing on the new book "When the Night Comes Falling" by author Howard Bloom. Bloom's book reveals a bone-chilling theory that Brian Coburger, the suspect in the murders, had a specific target in mind: Maddie Mogen. Bloom claims that Coburger's father, Michael, suspected his son's involvement from the beginning, noticing his volatile mood and erratic behavior. The episode also explores the significance of Coburger's circuitous route home after the murders, his plastic surgeries, and his obsession with Maddie. The panel discusses the evidence, including the blood trail, the lack of blood on Coburger's clothes, and the FBI's initial misidentification of the car. They also analyze the behavior of the two surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funk, and the 8-hour delay in calling the police. Bloom's book provides a detailed account of the investigation, including Coburger's past, his family dynamics, and the FBI's "Hat Box operation." The episode concludes with a discussion of the legal theory of intent and the importance of proving Men's Rea in order to secure a conviction.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of the Idaho student murders and the new book "When the Night Comes Falling" by author Howard Bloom. It also introduces the host, Nancy Grace, and the all-star panel of experts who will be discussing the case.

00:00:14

Bloom's Theory and Coburger's Family

This Chapter focuses on Howard Bloom's theory that Brian Coburger, the suspect in the Idaho murders, had a specific target in mind: Maddie Mogen. Bloom also reveals that Coburger's father, Michael, suspected his son's involvement from the beginning, noticing his volatile mood and erratic behavior.

00:44:28

The Surviving Roommates

This Chapter examines the behavior of the two surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funk, and the 8-hour delay in calling the police. The panel discusses the possible reasons for the delay, including fear, alcohol consumption, and the belief that the incident was just a party-related disturbance.

01:00:35

The Target and the Evidence

This Chapter delves into the evidence surrounding the murders, including the blood trail, the lack of blood on Coburger's clothes, and the FBI's initial misidentification of the car. The panel also discusses the theory that Ethan Chapin confronted Coburger to protect his girlfriend, Zanna Cronodal, and the significance of the blood evidence found in their room.

01:09:29

The Pullovers and the "Hat Box Operation"

This Chapter examines the two pullovers that Coburger received during his trip home with his father, and the FBI's "Hat Box operation" that was in place to follow him. The panel discusses the FBI's concern that the pullovers could jeopardize their investigation and the importance of the evidence that was ultimately gathered after Coburger arrived home.

01:17:28

Coburger's Behavior and the Digital Evidence

This Chapter focuses on Coburger's behavior during the pullovers and his father's reaction. The panel also discusses the significance of the digital evidence, including Coburger's attempt to get a job with a local police department and his knowledge of cell phone data.

01:21:33

The Dickies Work Suit and Coburger's Complaints

This Chapter examines the discovery of a receipt for a Dickies work suit that Coburger purchased at Walmart, and the theory that he wore it during the murders. The panel also discusses the complaints that were filed against Coburger at Washington State University by female students and his seething anger about them.

01:25:49

Empirical vs. Rhetorical Evidence

This Chapter concludes the episode with a discussion of the different types of evidence that are used in criminal investigations, including empirical evidence (hard facts) and rhetorical evidence (the why). The panel emphasizes the importance of both types of evidence in building a strong case.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main theory presented in Howard Bloom's book, "When the Night Comes Falling"?

  Bloom's book suggests that Brian Coburger, the suspect in the Idaho murders, had a specific target in mind: Maddie Mogen. He believes that Coburger's obsession with Mogen led him to the house that night, and that the other victims were killed as a result of her presence.

• What evidence supports the theory that Coburger's father, Michael, suspected his son's involvement in the murders?

  Bloom reveals that Michael noticed his son's volatile mood and erratic behavior during their trip home. He also mentions that Michael was aware of the murders and the fact that they occurred near his son's residence. These observations, coupled with Coburger's history of drug addiction and mental health issues, led Michael to suspect his son's involvement.

• Why is the 8-hour delay in calling the police after the murders so significant?

  The delay in calling the police raises concerns about the actions of the two surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funk. The panel discusses the possible reasons for the delay, including fear, alcohol consumption, and the belief that the incident was just a party-related disturbance. The delay also raises concerns about the potential loss of evidence.

• What evidence suggests that Ethan Chapin confronted Coburger to protect his girlfriend, Zanna Cronodal?

  Bloom's book cites testimony given to the grand jury that suggests Ethan confronted Coburger. Additionally, the coroner's report indicates that Ethan was killed with a single, massive cut to his neck that severed his jugular vein. This suggests that Ethan was actively trying to defend Zanna.

• Why was the FBI so concerned about the two pullovers that Coburger received during his trip home with his father?

  The FBI was conducting a "Hat Box Operation" to follow Coburger, and they were worried that the pullovers could jeopardize their investigation. They were concerned that local law enforcement might recognize Coburger as a suspect, or that he might react violently to the traffic stops. The FBI ultimately decided to stand back and observe, which allowed them to gather crucial evidence later on.

• What is the significance of the digital evidence in the case, particularly Coburger's attempt to get a job with a local police department?

  Coburger's attempt to get a job with a local police department, where he expressed his knowledge of cell phone data and his desire to help police departments better analyze digital evidence, is significant because it highlights his familiarity with digital evidence. This supports the theory that he intentionally turned off his phone when he left the house and when he entered the house.

• What is the importance of proving Men's Rea in the Idaho Student Murders case?

  Men's Rea is a legal term that refers to the mental state of a person who commits a crime. It is a necessary element of most crimes, and it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. The panel discusses the importance of proving Men's Rea in the Idaho Student Murders case, and the evidence that suggests that Coburger acted intentionally and with malice.

• What is the significance of the Dickies work suit that Coburger purchased at Walmart?

  The discovery of a receipt for a Dickies work suit that Coburger purchased at Walmart, coupled with the theory that he wore it during the murders, is significant because it could explain why there were no blood stains on his clothes. The panel discusses the theory that Coburger disposed of the suit after the murders, along with the murder weapon.

• What is the significance of the complaints that were filed against Coburger at Washington State University by female students?

  The complaints filed against Coburger by female students, which detail his aggressive and inappropriate behavior, are significant because they provide insight into his personality and his potential motivations. The panel discusses Coburger's seething anger about the complaints and his belief that he could talk his way out of any charges.

Show Notes