The family of a young woman killed in a high-profile Idaho murder case has publicly denounced an upcoming television movie about the tragedy, calling the actors’ behavior on set “in poor taste” and accusing the network of exploitation.
The film, which chronicles the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students, has drawn sharp criticism from the parents of victim Kaylee Goncalves. They expressed outrage after actors, including the one portraying their daughter, were seen in social media videos dancing and joking while wearing blood-stained costumes. The videos have since been removed.
In a strongly worded statement, the family criticized the production for capitalizing on their loss, noting the criminal case concluded less than six months ago. “Our emotions are still very raw,” the statement read. “We miss Kaylee every day. To see this transformed into entertainment is deeply hurtful and disappointing.”
Public backlash is growing alongside the family’s protests. An online petition demanding the film’s cancellation has garnered tens of thousands of signatures. The petition’s creator argues that the project reduces the victims to mere plot points, stating, “These were real people with hopes and dreams, not just headlines for a movie.”
The movie is being produced by the same team behind a prior film about the Murdaugh family crimes. The network has not publicly responded to the recent criticisms.
The perpetrator, Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology student, pleaded guilty to the quadruple murder last year and is currently serving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
