The story of Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke is deeply connected to one of the most widely covered and tragic news events to come out of a U.S. college town in recent years the 2022 University of Idaho murders. While their friends and housemates were killed in a brutal, unprovoked attack, Mortensen and Funke were the two surviving roommates, witnessing events that changed their lives forever. Their experience, both on the night of the incident and in the years since, highlights the trauma, complexity, and longterm impact of surviving violence. In the midst of national attention, they have had to navigate grief, survivor’s guilt, public scrutiny, and the pursuit of healing while honoring the memory of their friends.
What Happened on the Night of the Idaho Murders
The events unfolded in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, at an offcampus rental house in Moscow, Idaho, near the University of Idaho. Five students lived in the threestory home Dylan Mortensen, Bethany Funke, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Xana Kernodle, and Xana’s boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, was staying over that night. In the early hours around 4 a.m., a masked intruder entered the home and went on to stab four of the residents to death Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle, and Chapin while Mortensen and Funke survived.
Immediate Reactions and Alarm
Mortensen and Funke were asleep on the first floor when the violence occurred in the upper levels. According to released accounts and court documents, Mortensen heard noises and unrecognizable sounds in the night, then opened her door and claimed to see a person dressed in all black wearing what appeared to be a ski mask walking through the house hallway. She was alarmed and texted Funke, saying she was freaking out and didn’t know what was happening. Funke instructed her to run to her room for safety, and the two locked themselves together as the violence continued.
Despite seeing an unknown man and later finding one housemate lying on a bedroom floor, the surviving roommates did not immediately recognise that murders had occurred. At one point, Mortensen reportedly believed Xana was simply intoxicated, leading both to stay in Funke’s room and avoid contacting emergency services until much later. It was many hours about eight before police were called, after friends checked in on the situation and one recognised something was seriously wrong.
Lives Changed Forever Survival and Trauma
Although Mortensen and Funke survived physically unharmed, the emotional and psychological impact of that night has been profound. They lost close friends, witnessed a terrifying event, and have had to carry the weight of what happened ever since. The surviving roommates became both witnesses for law enforcement and symbols of the longterm consequences of such violent crimes.
Survivor’s Guilt and Psychological Impact
In July 2025, nearly three years after the murders, both Mortensen and Funke made victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing for Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of killing their housemates. Kohberger had initially faced a potential death penalty, but in 2025 he changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Mortensen’s statement was emotional and powerful, describing the deep trauma and lasting changes to her life. She described ongoing panic attacks, a loss of safety and security, and the difficulty of trying to navigate daily life after experiencing such fatal violence firsthand. She characterised the killer as a hollow vessel and spoke of maintaining her voice and future in honor of her lost friends. Funke’s statement was read by a friend on her behalf, as she chose not to appear in person. In it, she spoke about the survivor’s guilt she carries wondering why she lived while her friends did not and the fear that never fully leaves her.
Public Scrutiny and Misplaced Blame
In the years following the tragedy, Mortensen and Funke have faced intense public scrutiny and, at times, misinformation, largely fueled by social media speculation and conspiracy theories. Some observers questioned why they did not call 911 immediately, or even floated unfounded accusations against them. These reactions added additional stress and trauma on top of what they were already dealing with emotionally. Mortensen herself noted that the media harassed not just me but also my family and that strangers made up stories that caused significant distress.
Survivors Are Victims Too
Counselors and experts emphasise that the reactions of the surviving roommates including delayed 911 calls reflected human responses to extreme fear and confusion in a lifethreatening situation. Each person reacts differently to trauma, and in that context, their actions that night were shaped by fear, uncertainty, and shock. Researchers note that panic, denial, and attempts to understand what is happening are normal responses when faced with true terror.
Coping, Healing, and Rebuilding Lives
Since the tragedy, both Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke have continued to navigate their personal paths toward healing and rebuilding their lives. They have largely stayed out of the public eye, focusing on their education, mental health, and personal wellbeing. Mortensen, for example, received significant support from friends and community members as she adapted to living in a changed reality, including relocating and attending therapy to address trauma. Funke transferred universities and continued her education, pursuing studies in areas such as public health.
Community Support and Advocacy
Despite the horror they endured, Mortensen and Funke have also been part of community vigils, tributes, and memorials for their slain friends. They shared letters and messages at memorial events, expressing love for and the influence of those who were killed. In these gatherings, their voices contributed to collective mourning and helped others in the University of Idaho community and beyond grapple with the loss. Fellow students, families, and strangers alike have contributed support that recognises both the tragedy of that night and the courage required to speak out about it.
- Both Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke survived the brutal 2022 University of Idaho murders while their four roommates were killed.
- They witnessed frightening occurrences in the house, including sighting a masked intruder.
- They delayed calling 911 due to confusion, fear, and uncertainty.
- They delivered emotional impact statements at Bryan Kohberger’s sentencing in 2025.
- Both survivors face longterm trauma, including survivor’s guilt and ongoing anxiety.
Legacy and LongTerm Impact
The story of Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke extends far beyond headlines about crime and courtroom drama. It is a human story about survival, loss, resilience, and the complex emotional aftermath that follows violent tragedy. For Mortensen and Funke, the murder of their friends marked a profound rupture in their lives one that required courage to confront publicly, whether in court or in private moments of reflection. Their experiences speak to the realities faced by survivors of violence worldwide dealing with grief, carrying survivor’s guilt, and working toward recovery while honouring those who were lost.
Looking Ahead
Today, both survivors continue to push forward with their lives despite the lasting toll of what happened. They carry the memory of their friends with them, using that memory as a source of strength and motivation. Their journey marked by pain, vulnerability, and incredible resilience reminds us that survival does not end with escaping violence, but continues in the emotional, relational, and psychological work that follows. Through their courage to speak about their experiences and their commitment to healing, Mortensen and Funke have honoured the lives of their friends and helped others understand the farreaching impact of trauma and loss.