I’ve been obsessing over the Idaho student murders since that horrific November morning in 2022. Four college students stabbed in their beds while two roommates survived. It’s the stuff of nightmares – literally, I’ve had them. But as I’ve fallen down this rabbit hole (as one does), I’ve become increasingly uncomfortable with how some outlets have covered this tragedy.
Let’s talk about the ethics of true crime reporting, shall we? (And yes, I’m fully aware of the irony as I write for a true crime website. The call is coming from inside the house!)
When “Getting the Scoop” Gets Gross
The media frenzy surrounding the Idaho murders was as subtle as a bloodstain on white carpet. Within days, news vans lined the streets of Moscow, Idaho – a town that probably hadn’t seen that many cameras since… well, ever.
Some reporters camped outside the victims’ rental house, filming through windows and speculating wildly about blood spatter patterns they couldn’t possibly see. Others harassed the surviving roommates for interviews while they were actively traumatized.
I found myself yelling at my screen, “LEAVE THEM ALONE!” (My husband Ryan walked in during one of these outbursts and slowly backed out of the room. Smart man.)
The Goncalves Family Speaks Out
The family of Kaylee Goncalves has been particularly vocal about their treatment by the media. They’ve described reporters showing up at their doorstep, calling at all hours, and publishing private details without permission.
When I read their statements, I felt that familiar twist in my stomach – the one that reminds me these aren’t just characters in a Netflix documentary. These are real people experiencing the worst moment of their lives while cameras roll.
Where Should Journalists Draw the Line?
Journalism ethics experts at the Poynter Institute suggest that reporters should always prioritize the dignity of victims and their families over getting exclusive content. Revolutionary concept, right?
Here’s my take: there’s a massive difference between reporting facts that serve the public interest and exploiting tragedy for clicks.
Do we need to know the position of the bodies? The exact number of stab wounds? The terrified texts sent to friends? Or are we just rubbernecking at someone else’s tragedy?
The Social Media Circus
Then there’s the absolute dumpster fire that was the social media response. Facebook groups dedicated to the case exploded overnight, with armchair detectives (hello, it me) analyzing everything from doorbell camera footage to the suspect’s yearbook photos.
I’ll admit – I’ve spent more hours than I care to confess scrolling through these groups. But the line between investigation and invasion gets blurry fast.
When people started doxxing the surviving roommates and random Moscow residents with zero evidence, I had to step back. The Society of Professional Journalists has guidelines against this exact behavior, but Facebook groups aren’t exactly bound by journalistic standards.
Finding Balance in True Crime Coverage
So how do we balance our (let’s be honest) morbid curiosity with respect for real human suffering?
For journalists, the BBC’s editorial guidelines on crime reporting offer a solid framework: report facts accurately, avoid sensationalism, and consider the impact on those affected by the crime.
For us true crime consumers, maybe we need to check our own motivations. Are we following a case because we care about justice, or because we’re treating it like entertainment?
(I’m not judging – my podcast library is basically a serial killer rolodex. But self-awareness is the first step, right?)
The Ethics Checklist I’m Trying to Follow
When I’m consuming true crime content about ongoing cases like the Idaho murders, I try to ask myself:
- Would I want this detail published if the victim was my friend?
- Does this information serve any purpose beyond shock value?
- Am I supporting media that treats victims and families with respect?
I fail this checklist embarrassingly often. (I definitely clicked on that article showing the murder house floor plan – I’m working on it!)
Where Do We Go From Here?
As the Bryan Kohberger case moves through the legal system, we’ll see more coverage, more theories, and more ethical dilemmas.
I’m not saying we should stop following true crime. I mean, I’d have to find a whole new personality if that were the case. But maybe we can be more thoughtful about how we engage with these stories.
Because at the end of the day, when I triple-check my locks before bed (you know you do it too), I’m reminded that these stories aren’t just content – they’re cautionary tales from someone’s worst day.
And that deserves some respect, doesn’t it?