Why Didn’t Dylan Call Police? The Idaho Murder Case Timeline
The brutal murders of four University of Idaho students shocked the nation. The case gained even more attention when details emerged about Dylan Mortensen, one of two surviving roommates. Dylan encountered the killer in the early morning hours but didn’t call the police until nearly eight hours later. This delay raised serious questions among the public and the victims’ families.
The Timeline of Events at the Moscow House
The Night Before the Murders
On November 13, 2022, the residents of the off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho returned home. The night started like any other at the popular party house. By 2 AM, all residents were back home. Court documents show everyone was either asleep or in their rooms by 4 AM.
The Critical Hours Around 4 AM
Dylan’s night took a terrifying turn around 4 AM. She woke up in her second-floor bedroom to unusual sounds. A DoorDash delivery arrived at the house around this time. The timing of these events created confusion that would later impact Dylan’s decisions.
Xana Kernodle, one of the victims, accessed TikTok at 4:12 AM. This detail became crucial in understanding the sequence of events. The sounds Dylan heard started shortly after, setting off a chain of events that would haunt the case.
The Morning After
The hours between 4 AM and noon revealed a complex situation. Dylan attempted to contact her roommates multiple times. When she couldn’t reach them, she called a friend of Ethan Chapin instead of dialing 911. This decision sparked debate about crisis response and judgment.
When 911 Was Finally Called
The emergency call came at 11:58 AM – nearly eight hours after the murders. However, police didn’t arrive until 4 PM. This four-hour gap between the call and police response added another layer of questions to the case.
The Sounds Dylan Heard That Night
Initial Noises from Upstairs
The first sounds Dylan heard seemed innocent. She thought Kaylee Goncalves was playing with her dog on the third floor. Then she heard what sounded like Goncalves saying “there’s someone here.” At the time, these noises didn’t trigger immediate alarm.
The Male Voice and Crying
Dylan heard crying coming from Kernodle’s room. A male voice followed, saying “it’s ok, I’m going to help you.” In the context of a party house with frequent visitors, these sounds didn’t immediately signal danger to Dylan.
Face-to-Face with a Masked Figure
The most chilling moment came when Dylan opened her door for the third time. She saw someone wearing black clothes and a mask covering their mouth and nose. The figure walked past her toward the back sliding glass door. Dylan then locked herself in her room.
Dylan’s Thought Process During Those Hours
Common Party House Environment
The house on King Road had a reputation. Police visited multiple times for noise complaints. Late-night gatherings, visitors coming and going, and occasional loud noises were normal. This setting shaped how Dylan interpreted the unusual sounds that night.
Previous Late-Night Activities
DoorDash deliveries at odd hours weren’t strange. People wearing masks during deliveries became common practice. Friends often stayed over, and guests moved through the house regularly. These patterns made unusual nighttime activity seem less suspicious.
Assumptions About the Noises
Sources close to Dylan revealed she thought her roommates were still in party mode. She even shouted at them to quiet down so she could sleep. The sounds of crying and talking didn’t raise immediate red flags in a house known for late-night activities.
The Context of Regular House Visitors
The masked figure didn’t trigger panic because strangers often entered the house. Between food deliveries, party guests, and friends of roommates, unfamiliar faces weren’t unusual. Dylan’s reaction reflected this normalized environment.
Psychological Factors at Play
Trauma Response in Crisis Situations
Police psychologist Dr. Katherine Kuhlman explained three typical trauma responses: fight, flight, or freeze. Most people never prepare mentally for extreme trauma. Dylan’s “frozen shock phase” fits this established pattern of crisis response.
The “Frozen Shock Phase” Explained
The affidavit described Dylan as being in a “frozen shock phase” when she saw the masked figure. This psychological state can prevent normal reactions to danger. The brain sometimes processes shocking events as less threatening to protect itself.
Sleep State Decision Making
The timing of events affected Dylan’s judgment. Waking from sleep can impair decision-making. The brain takes time to process information clearly. This sleep state likely influenced how Dylan interpreted the situation.
The Actions Dylan Took Instead
Attempts to Contact Roommates
After the concerning noises stopped, Dylan tried calling all her roommates. None answered their phones. This detail, revealed by Ethan’s sister-in-law, shows Dylan did take action – just not the action many later thought she should have.
Calling Ethan’s Friend
When she couldn’t reach her roommates, Dylan called Ethan’s best friend. She felt scared enough to want someone to check the house. This choice shows she recognized something was wrong, even if she didn’t understand the full situation.
The Discovery of the Crime
Ethan’s friend arrived just before noon on November 13. He entered Xana’s room first and found Ethan with fatal injuries. He checked the victims’ pulses and made the 911 call using one of the roommates’ phones at 11:58 AM.
Police Response Timeline
The 911 Call Details
The emergency call reported an “unconscious person.” This description might explain the delayed police response. The full content of this call remains sealed under a court order, leaving questions about the initial emergency communication.
Delay in Police Arrival
Police arrived at 4 PM, four hours after the 911 call. This gap raised questions about emergency response protocols in Moscow. The small college town’s police resources and response times came under scrutiny.
Initial Police Assessment
Officers found a devastating scene. All four victims – Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin – had suffered fatal stab wounds. The crime scene revealed signs of struggle, particularly from Xana.
Similar Cases and Expert Analysis
Comparable Survivor Responses
Experts point out that Dylan’s response isn’t unusual for witnesses to violent crimes. The brain often tries to normalize threatening situations. People frequently attempt to find rational explanations for disturbing events.
Expert Opinions on Delayed Reporting
Law enforcement and psychology experts emphasize that trauma responses vary widely. The delay in reporting doesn’t indicate guilt or negligence. Instead, it reflects common psychological responses to extreme situations.
The Role of Fear and Uncertainty
Fear can paralyze decision-making. Uncertainty about what’s really happening can lead to inaction. These factors often prevent immediate reporting of crimes, even in less severe situations.
Lessons and Safety Considerations
Warning Signs vs Normal Activity
College housing presents unique safety challenges. Regular parties and visitors can mask dangerous situations. Students need clear guidelines about when to contact authorities, even if unsure.
When to Call Emergency Services
Safety experts advise calling police whenever something feels wrong. Better to risk a false alarm than miss a genuine emergency. This case highlights the importance of trusting instincts about unusual situations.
Campus Safety Protocols
The case led to discussions about improving campus safety measures. Universities nationwide reviewed their emergency response procedures. Many implemented new guidelines about reporting suspicious activity.
The question “Why didn’t Dylan call the police?” doesn’t have a simple answer. A combination of environmental factors, psychological responses, and circumstantial confusion contributed to the delay. The case serves as a tragic reminder that crisis responses often defy our expectations of rational behavior.
The focus should remain on supporting survivors of traumatic events and improving safety protocols. Dylan’s experience shows how complex human responses to trauma can be. Her story continues to influence discussions about campus safety and emergency response.
