Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The shocking November 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students that gripped an Idaho small town and made headlines across the nation have finally reached a conclusion. The killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole and escaped the death penalty, yet there are still unanswered questions — and a lot to Think Twice about. Did new genealogy technology used in the investigation add further complications? What can this case teach law enforcement for the future? How can justice be pursued in this era of oversaturated media exposure and speculation? In this episode, John Donvan sits down with journalist Vicky Ward, who co-authored with renowned novelist James Patterson the bestselling book “The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy,” where they discuss what drew her to the case, how collaborating with Patterson changed her writing process, and how this case challenges us to reconsider elements of the criminal justice system.
Our Guest: Vicky Ward, Co-Author of "The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy"
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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Additional Debates to Watch:
Debate: Should Prosecutors Pursue Minor Crimes? youtu.be/Bon-Y58iztU
#opentodebate #jamespatterson #vickyward #idahostudents #idahofour #bryankohberger
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00:00:00 The Tragedy of the Idaho 4 Explained
00:02:05 Why Vicky Ward Took on the Case
00:04:21 Bryan Kohberger Silence & Battle for Narrative Control
00:08:16 Investigative Genetic Genealogy Cracked the Case
00:14:38 The Rise of "Cyber Sleuths”
00:21:30 Carol Lieberman Q: What Is the Motive for the Murders?
00:28:08 Kristin Thorne Q: Should the Killer Have the Right to Tell His Side of the Story?
00:34:17 Chris Spargo Q: Why Was There a Plea Deal?
00:38:22 Noa Donvan Q: What Interventions Could Prevent Similar Tragedies in the Future?
00:45:40 Covering an American Tragedy: The Personal Impact
01:01:23 Finding the Best of Humanity in the Face of the Worst
The shocking November 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students that gripped an Idaho small town and made headlines across the nation have finally reached a conclusion. The killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole and escaped the death penalty, yet there are still unanswered questions — and a lot to Think Twice about. Did new genealogy technology used in the investigation add further complications? What can this case teach law enforcement for the future? How can justice be pursued in this era of oversaturated media exposure and speculation? In this episode, John Donvan sits down with journalist Vicky Ward, who co-authored with renowned novelist James Patterson the bestselling book “The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy,” where they discuss what drew her to the case, how collaborating with Patterson changed her writing process, and how this case challenges us to reconsider elements of the criminal justice system.
Our Guest: Vicky Ward, Co-Author of "The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy"
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on our curated weekly debates, dynamic live events, and educational initiatives.
Additional Debates to Watch:
Debate: Should Prosecutors Pursue Minor Crimes? youtu.be/Bon-Y58iztU
#opentodebate #jamespatterson #vickyward #idahostudents #idahofour #bryankohberger
===================================
Subscribe: youtube.com/@OpentoDebate
Official site: opentodebate.org
Newsletter: opentodebate.org/insight
X: twitter.com/OpentoDebateOrg
Facebook: facebook.com/BeOpentoDebate
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/opentodebate
Instagram: instagram.com/opentodebateorg
TikTok: tiktok.com/@opentodebateorg
Open to Debate Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/bdzmz5xt
Open to Debate Spotify Podcasts: tinyurl.com/22tuxu7h
===================================
00:00:00 The Tragedy of the Idaho 4 Explained
00:02:05 Why Vicky Ward Took on the Case
00:04:21 Bryan Kohberger Silence & Battle for Narrative Control
00:08:16 Investigative Genetic Genealogy Cracked the Case
00:14:38 The Rise of "Cyber Sleuths”
00:21:30 Carol Lieberman Q: What Is the Motive for the Murders?
00:28:08 Kristin Thorne Q: Should the Killer Have the Right to Tell His Side of the Story?
00:34:17 Chris Spargo Q: Why Was There a Plea Deal?
00:38:22 Noa Donvan Q: What Interventions Could Prevent Similar Tragedies in the Future?
00:45:40 Covering an American Tragedy: The Personal Impact
01:01:23 Finding the Best of Humanity in the Face of the Worst
