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Roommate of 4 students killed in Idaho says harassment forced her to move repeatedly
Dylan Mortensen, a former roommate of four University of Idaho students killed in 2022, says harassment and threats linked to the case have forced her and her family to move nine times. She is asking a judge to ensure her face is blurred in investigative recordings due for release, saying the footage could make her easier to identify and expose her to further hostility.
Mortensen was one of two surviving roommates and told police she saw a masked man in the house on the night of the killings. Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty, but is now seeking to withdraw his plea; no motive has been established. A judge ordered the city of Moscow to disclose records sought by a documentary company, ruling that witness identities are not broadly exempt from disclosure under Idaho’s public records law.
In short
- Dylan Mortensen says harassment has forced nine moves.
- She wants her face blurred in investigative recordings.
- A judge ordered the release of records sought by a documentary company.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Blurring Mortensen’s face could reduce the risk that newly released footage makes her easier to identify and subjects her or her family to further harassment. Supporters of the request can argue that protecting a witness’s safety and privacy is especially important when disclosure may add little to public understanding of the case.
The case against
The public and documentary makers have a legitimate interest in access to investigative records, which can support scrutiny of how authorities handled a major case. Opponents of blurring can argue that broad access rules should apply consistently and that witness identities are not generally exempt under Idaho law, while any specific safety risks should be assessed against the value of disclosure.
Explained simply
Four University of Idaho students were killed in a house in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Dylan Mortensen and another roommate were in the house and survived; Mortensen told police she saw a masked man that night.
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the killings and was sentenced to life in prison, but is seeking to withdraw his plea. Investigators have not established a motive. The case also involves a dispute over public access to investigative recordings and the privacy of witnesses.