Madison May Mogen was a 21-year-old senior at the University of Idaho when she was tragically murdered on November 13, 2022, along with three of her peers—Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho. The four students were fatally stabbed in the early morning hours, a crime that shocked the community and garnered national attention.
Born on May 25, 2001, in Eugene, Oregon, Madison, known as “Maddie,” moved with her family to North Idaho during her early years. She graduated from Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and was pursuing a degree in marketing at the University of Idaho. Maddie was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and worked at a local restaurant with her close friend, Kaylee Goncalves. The two had been best friends since sixth grade.
On the night of November 12, 2022, Maddie and Kaylee visited The Corner Club, a downtown sports bar, before heading to a food truck called The Grub Truck at approximately 1:41 a.m. Surveillance footage from the food truck shows them chatting and smiling as they received their food. They then left to take a private ride back to their residence, arriving around 1:56 a.m. The following morning, their bodies were discovered, along with those of Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, who had been staying over at the house.
The investigation into the murders led to the arrest of Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. On July 2, 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to all charges in a plea deal that spared him the death penalty. He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole and an additional 10 years for burglary.
Early Life and Family
Birth and Childhood
Maddie was born on May 25, 2001, in Eugene, Oregon. She spent her first two years in Oregon before her family relocated to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she grew up. She graduated from Lake City High School, where she was known for her academic achievements and involvement in various activities.
Family Background
Maddie was the only child of Ben Mogen and Karen Laramie. Her father, Ben, has spoken publicly about the profound impact her death has had on their family. He described her as a bright and motivated individual who often worked multiple jobs while excelling in school. Maddie’s mother, Karen, has shared that she continues to feel her daughter’s presence in dreams and memories, finding solace in the love and joy Maddie brought into their lives.
Education and Career Aspirations
University of Idaho
After high school, Maddie enrolled at the University of Idaho in the fall of 2019. She majored in marketing and was a senior at the time of her death. Maddie was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority, where she formed lasting friendships and was actively involved in campus life. She also worked at a local Greek restaurant in Moscow, where she managed the restaurant’s social media presence, showcasing her creativity and dedication.
Career Goals
Maddie had plans to move to Boise, Idaho, after graduation to pursue a career in marketing. Her aspirations reflected her ambition and desire to make a positive impact in her chosen field. Her untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew her and in the community that supported her dreams.
Personal Life and Interests
Friendships and Relationships
Maddie was best friends with Kaylee Goncalves, a bond that began in sixth grade. The two shared a deep friendship and were inseparable, often spending time together both on and off campus. They worked together at the Greek restaurant and enjoyed attending music concerts, a shared passion that brought them closer.
Hobbies and Personality
Known for her offbeat and hilarious sense of humor, Maddie had a unique ability to make others smile and laugh. She was also a huge music fan, particularly enjoying the band Train. Her Instagram page reflected her vibrant personality, featuring photos and quotes that captured her positive outlook on life.
The Tragic Incident
The Night of November 13, 2022
On the night of November 12, 2022, Maddie and Kaylee visited The Corner Club, a downtown sports bar in Moscow. Afterward, they went to a food truck called The Grub Truck, where surveillance footage shows them chatting and smiling as they received their food. They then took a private ride back to their residence, arriving around 1:56 a.m. The following morning, their bodies were discovered, along with those of Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, who had been staying over at the house.
Discovery and Investigation
The discovery of the four students’ bodies shocked the community and led to an extensive investigation. Authorities arrested Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, in December 2022. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. In July 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to all charges in a plea deal that spared him the death penalty. He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole and an additional 10 years for burglary.
Memorials and Legacy
Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial
In honor of Maddie and her fellow victims, the University of Idaho established the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial. This space serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, allowing the community to honor the lives lost and find solace in a shared space of healing.
Scholarships and Honors
The University of Idaho awarded posthumous degrees to Maddie, Xana, and Ethan during the spring commencement ceremonies in May 2023. Scholarships have also been created in their names, supporting future students in their academic pursuits.
Maddie May Day
To continue Maddie’s legacy of kindness, her family established “Maddie May Day,” an annual event on May 25 that encourages people to perform random acts of kindness. The initiative aims to spread joy and positivity, reflecting the warmth and generosity that Maddie embodied in her life.
Conclusion
Madison Mogen’s life, though tragically short, was filled with promise, love, and ambition. Her untimely death has left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and the community. Through memorials, scholarships, and acts of kindness inspired by her life, Maddie’s legacy continues to inspire others to live with compassion and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Madison Mogen’s major at the University of Idaho?
Maddie majored in marketing and was a senior at the time of her death.
Where did Madison Mogen grow up?
She grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after moving there with her family during her early years.
What was Madison Mogen’s relationship with Kaylee Goncalves?
Maddie and Kaylee were best friends since sixth grade and were inseparable throughout their lives.
What was Madison Mogen’s role at the Greek restaurant in Moscow?
Maddie worked at the restaurant and managed its social media presence, showcasing her creativity and dedication.
What happened on November 13, 2022?
Maddie, along with Kaylee, Xana, and Ethan, was tragically murdered in their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho.
Who was arrested for the murders?
Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, was arrested and charged with the murders.
What was the outcome of the trial?
In July 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.
How is Madison Mogen remembered?
She is remembered through memorials, scholarships, and the “Maddie May Day” initiative, which promotes kindness and positivity.
