Idaho murder victim Ethan Chapin’s sister recently shared a heartbreaking detail from the final hours before his death. In a newly released documentary titled “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders”, Mazie Chapin recounted the last message she received from her brother. It was a simple three-word text: “I love you.”

Spending One Last Evening Together

On the night of Saturday, November 12, 2022, Mazie invited Ethan to her sorority formal. Without a date and knowing Ethan’s friends were also going, she figured it would be a fun sibling moment. They enjoyed themselves at the event and parted ways around 9 p.m. While others returned to Ethan and Hunter’s fraternity house, Mazie stayed behind and went to bed early.

A Final Message Left Unread

Ethan Chapin family in Idaho
Ethan Chapin with his family.

Later that evening, Ethan sent Mazie a series of texts asking her to come hang out. She had already fallen asleep and didn’t see them until later. The last one said “I love you,” something Mazie noted was unusual for their relationship. She said they didn’t typically express those words to each other, which made the moment even more haunting in retrospect.

The Murders at King Road

By the next morning, Ethan was among four students found stabbed to death at a rental home near the University of Idaho. The attack occurred in the early morning hours of November 13, and the victims included Ethan’s girlfriend, Xana Kernodle, as well as Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. The home at 1122 King Road became the center of a highly publicized investigation.

Plea Deal Brings Unexpected Closure

On July 1, 2025, Bryan Kohberger formally confessed to the murders in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. He admitted to planning and carrying out the attack, detailing how he entered the home with the intent to kill. His plea included a full confession and acknowledgment of his actions, ensuring no ambiguity about his guilt.

Confronting the Killer in Court

Stacy Chapin, Ethan’s mother, attended the court hearing the day after Kohberger’s signed confession. She described the moment as surreal, noting that his demeanor was robotic and emotionless. She expected some form of remorse but found none. Despite that, she acknowledged the relief that comes from knowing her children won’t have to endure a lengthy trial.

Moving Beyond the Courtroom

Jim Chapin, Ethan’s father, expressed readiness to begin healing. “It’s been almost two-and-a-half years, and it’s over,” he said. For the Chapins, avoiding a drawn-out legal battle was critical for their family’s well-being. They wanted closure not just for themselves, but for Ethan’s siblings and friends who had been drawn into the legal process.

No Chance for Appeal

As part of his plea, Kohberger agreed to serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 10 years. He waived all rights to appeal or request future sentence reductions. This decision guarantees that the case won’t be revisited in court, offering families a sense of finality.

Different Families, Different Reactions

While some families of the victims agreed with the deal, others voiced strong opposition. The Goncalves family, in particular, pushed back against what they saw as a missed opportunity for justice. Nonetheless, the plea brings an end to one of the most disturbing chapters in recent college campus history, even as the emotional fallout continues for those left behind.