What Happened to Murphy the Dog in Netflix’s ‘The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare’ Documentary

Netflix’s true crime lineup has delivered another emotional blow, this time focusing on a golden-furred survivor rather than the perpetrator. ‘The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare’ revisits one of the most unsettling true crime cases in recent history, and amidst the horror, a surprisingly tender question has emerged: What happened to Murphy, the goldendoodle who was present in the King Road house on the night of the tragedy?

This three-part docuseries examines the November 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, four University of Idaho students whose shocking deaths led to the conviction of Bryan Kohberger. Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. However, while the series recounts the case and its courtroom aftermath, viewers have become particularly interested in Murphy, with the documentary only revealing part of his story.

Murphy was owned by victim Kaylee Goncalves, but he was not solely her pet. This goldendoodle, a mix of golden retriever and poodle, was adopted in early 2022 by Kaylee and her then-boyfriend, Jack DuCoeur. Although their romantic relationship ended, their shared love for Murphy persisted. After their five-year relationship concluded, they maintained a close friendship and shared custody of the dog, which explains why Murphy was in the King Road house with Kaylee and her roommates.

Throughout the first episode of the documentary, Murphy is depicted as a haunting presence, a living witness unable to articulate what he experienced that night.

Details regarding Murphy’s whereabouts during the attack remain frustratingly vague, even in Netflix’s portrayal. The docuseries confirms that Murphy was living with the college students and was found unharmed after the tragic events unfolded. Investigators were quick to clarify that there was no connection between the dog and the crime itself. A police statement indicated that no evidence was found on Murphy, and there was no sign that he had entered the crime scene. Despite this, internet sleuths have speculated about possible interactions between Kohberger and Murphy prior to the attack.

Some true crime enthusiasts theorized that Kohberger might have attempted to gain Murphy’s trust or familiarize him with his scent beforehand, but law enforcement has not publicly supported this theory with any evidence. Meanwhile, the two surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, were experiencing their own terror elsewhere in the house, hiding together on the first floor.

One of the most striking scenes in ‘The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare’ features actual bodycam footage rather than narration or reenactment. An officer took Murphy outside, mentioning that Justin Olsen would come to pick him up and take him to the pound, then asked another officer to hold Murphy right outside the front door. This brief moment sparked viewers’ curiosity, as the documentary does not follow up on Murphy’s fate afterward. The fate of Kaylee Goncalves’ beloved pet goldendoodle remains unaddressed in ‘The Idaho Murders’.

This footage, although short and seemingly incidental to the main investigation, has become one of the most searched moments of the series. In a documentary centered on unbearable loss, Murphy being calmly led out of the house provided a strange moment of relief amid the horror.

Fortunately, the news regarding Murphy is positive. He did not remain in police custody or a shelter for long. Reports indicate that he was handed over to animal services and subsequently released to a responsible individual. Kaylee Goncalves’ ex-boyfriend, Jack DuCoeur, arrived at The Humane Society where Murphy had been taken and brought him home.

Since then, Murphy has gained a following as an internet celebrity, serving as a living tribute to Kaylee. He now resides with Jack DuCoeur, who has created an Instagram account for Murphy that has amassed over 100,000 followers. The Goncalves family has kept fans updated on Murphy’s life away from the cameras, revealing that he is living his best life and enjoying many adventures with his owner. This small thread of warmth in an otherwise tragic story is why so many viewers were eager to learn about his fate.

Knowing that Murphy is safe, well-cared for, and constantly photographed offers a grounding sense of comfort as the world grapples with the events that transpired in that house. While he cannot share what he witnessed, his continued presence in Jack DuCoeur’s life represents one uncomplicated positive outcome in an otherwise devastating case.

Did Murphy’s storyline influence your viewing of ‘The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare’, or do you believe Netflix should have dedicated more screen time to his fate instead of leaving fans to search for it themselves?