Kaylee Goncalves was a 21-year-old senior at the University of Idaho, majoring in general studies within the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences. She was from Rathdrum, Idaho, and was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. Kaylee had been best friends with Madison Mogen since sixth grade; the two had grown up together in northern Idaho and attended college together. They were roommates in an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, where they lived with Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. On November 13, 2022, all four students were tragically murdered in their home.
Prior to her death, Kaylee had plans to graduate in December 2022 and move to Austin, Texas, to work at a marketing firm . Her family has been vocal in their pursuit of justice, expressing dissatisfaction with the legal proceedings following her death.
In July 2025, the accused perpetrator, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to all charges related to the murders, including four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, avoiding the death penalty. Kaylee’s family, however, has publicly criticized the plea deal, stating they were not consulted and feel the justice system has failed them.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Hometown
Kaylee Goncalves was born in 2001 in Rathdrum, Idaho, a small town in the northern part of the state. She was the eldest of five siblings, growing up in a close-knit and supportive family environment.
Parents and Siblings
Kaylee’s parents, Steve and Kristi Goncalves, have been vocal in their pursuit of justice for their daughter. They have expressed their frustrations with the legal system and the handling of the case. Her younger sister, Aubrie Goncalves, has also spoken out, criticizing the plea deal that spared the perpetrator from the death penalty. The family remains united in their grief and commitment to honoring Kaylee’s memory.
Education and Career Aspirations
Academic Pursuits
Kaylee attended the University of Idaho, where she majored in general studies within the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences. She was a dedicated student, known for her academic achievements and involvement in campus life.
Sorority Life and Social Engagement
As a member of the Alpha Phi sorority, Kaylee formed lasting friendships and was actively engaged in various campus activities. Her social circle included Madison Mogen, her lifelong friend, with whom she shared a deep bond.
Career Plans
In the months leading up to her death, Kaylee had plans to graduate in December 2022 and move to Austin, Texas, to start her career at a marketing firm. She was excited about the future and the opportunities that awaited her.
The Tragic Events of November 2022
The Night of the Murders
On the night of November 12, 2022, Kaylee and Madison Mogen were out together, enjoying their evening. They were seen at a food truck around 1:41 a.m., chatting and laughing. They returned to their off-campus residence at 1122 King Road around 1:56 a.m. The following morning, their lives, along with those of Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, were tragically cut short.
Discovery of the Crime
The bodies of the four students were discovered later that day. A 911 call was made from the phone of one of the surviving roommates, reporting an unresponsive person at the residence. Upon arrival, authorities found the victims in their beds, victims of a brutal stabbing.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Arrest of Bryan Kohberger
Bryan Kohberger, a former Ph.D. student in criminal justice at Washington State University, was arrested on December 30, 2022, in connection with the murders. Investigators linked him to the crime through DNA evidence, cellphone data, and surveillance footage. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.
Plea Deal and Sentencing
On July 2, 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to all charges, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. The plea deal was met with criticism from the victims’ families, particularly Kaylee’s, who felt they were not adequately consulted.
Personal Life and Legacy
Friendships and Relationships
Kaylee’s close friendship with Madison Mogen was well-known. The two had been inseparable since sixth grade and shared a deep bond that extended into their college years.
Family’s Advocacy for Justice
In the aftermath of Kaylee’s death, her family has been active in seeking justice. They have publicly criticized the legal proceedings, expressing their dissatisfaction with the plea deal and the handling of the case.
Memorials and Honors
The University of Idaho has honored Kaylee’s memory by awarding her a posthumous degree and establishing scholarships in her name. A memorial garden, the Vandal Healing Garden, was also created to remember the victims.
Conclusion
Kaylee Goncalves was more than a victim of a senseless crime; she was a young woman with dreams, aspirations, and a bright future ahead. Her tragic death has left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and the community. Through this biography, we remember Kaylee not just for the circumstances of her death, but for the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.
FAQs
What was Kaylee Goncalves studying at the University of Idaho?
Kaylee was majoring in general studies within the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Was Kaylee involved in any campus organizations?
Yes, she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority.
What were Kaylee’s plans after graduation?
She planned to graduate in December 2022 and move to Austin, Texas, to start her career at a marketing firm.
Who were the other victims in the November 2022 murders?
The other victims were Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
How was Bryan Kohberger connected to the crime?
He was linked to the crime through DNA evidence, cellphone data, and surveillance footage.
What was the outcome of the legal proceedings?
Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Has Kaylee been honored by the University of Idaho?
Yes, she was awarded a posthumous degree, and scholarships have been established in her name.
What is the Vandal Healing Garden?
It is a memorial garden created by the University of Idaho to honor the victims of the 2022 murders.
