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Idaho murders case: Internet slams true crime reporter for mocking 'happy' survivor Dylan Mortensen in new clip

Jonathan Lee Riches mocked Dylan Mortensen, posting a video of her partying and dancing at an University event

MOSCOW, IDAHO: Jonathan Lee Riches, an investigative true crime reporter, recently came under fire after posting the now-viral video of Idaho murders' survivor Dylan Mortensen dancing and partying with friends at a university event. 

Riches attempted to mock Mortensen by sharing the clip with a caption that read, "Looks like Dylan Mortensen has recovered from the Bryan Kohberger / Moscow Idaho tragedy. #Idaho4" after her family spoke about the student suffering from "survivor's guilt."

In the video, the 21-year-old, one of the two students who survived the Idaho massacre, could be seen dressed in a gold sparkly outfit for an October 31 Halloween party. Other photos also reportedly showed Mortensen at a September 15 sorority initiation with her University of Idaho friends, the Daily Mail reported.

Mortensen's footage came to light nearly one year after Idaho University students Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were stabbed to death in a rented student housing abode near the Moscow campus. 

Bryan Kohberger, 28, was later arrested as the suspected murderer and is currently being held in the Latah County Jail without bond. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Internet calls out Jonathan Lee Riches over Dylan Mortensen video

Several social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out Riches for sharing Mortensen's video, with many claiming she is allowed to move to on from the tragedy.

"I mean … she’s 21. Should she never be allowed to have fun ever again? She should just grieve the rest of her life without a lighthearted moment ? Not fair or realistic. #Idaho4 #bryankohberger," one said. 

"I think it’s awful whoever started this video. They should be ashamed of themselves!! That poor girl is entitled to do whatever she wants. She did nothing wrong!!" another added. 

"Do you want her laying all day in bed and crying?" one user asked Riches. "She deserves to have a life. I'm sure when she's alone at night it all comes back like a flood and it's unbearable, but people need to have outlets too," they added. 

"… just because she’s out doesn’t mean she’s recovered from anything. You want her to sit around alone all day everyday?" one questioned. 

"People have fun in tragic times. Maybe partying is how she copes? I don’t know and neither do you. Your implication is kind of gross IMO," a fifth commented. 

One said, "Why are u worried about what she is doing .she is a victim and possible witness .u you have preferred she had unalived herself instead .u don’t know what nightmares she has". 

While another mentioned, "You insinuated that she is acting inappropriately by even posting this video. Leave her alone and concentrate on Danello & other fugitives."

One wrote, "Starting following you during Cavalcante loved your work. This one seems like obsession type stuff." 

Before another stated, "Dude. I’m sorry this post is not a good look for you. Others might not agree or you. That is fine. Just my two cents."

Who is Jonathan Lee Riches? 

Riches is a self-proclaimed, independent investigative journalist and true crime reporter, known for his YouTube channel and online true crime hub, JLR Investigates. 

He dubs himself an "Investigative Reporter / Gonzo Journalist! FOIA / Sunshine Law / Open Records Requester! Truth Seeking Sleuth! Crime Scene Genius!" on his X bio. 

The official website of JLR Investigates describes Riches as a "tireless investigator and fearless explorer, dedicated to uncovering the stories others don't dare to touch."

The website also mentions that he has a "keen eye for detail and an unyielding determination to challenge the status quo." Riches reportedly "delves into the unknown and shares his discoveries with the world."

"Focusing on the present, Jonathan has built an impressive online presence, connecting with a global community of truth-seekers and fellow explorers," the website mentions.

"His work spans across various platforms, including YouTube, podcasts, and his website, where he shares his findings, insights, and personal experiences," it further adds.

Riches has managed to garner a significant online following and has over 109K subscribers on YouTube. 

Dylan Mortensen's life was turned upside down by 2022 Idaho murders 

While Mortensen miraculously survived the Idaho massacre, her life turned upside down since her roommates were brutally stabbed and killed in November 2022.

Mortensen later told officials that she saw a man leaving their house in Moscow, Idaho, in the early hours on the day of the murders but did not realize that four of her roommates were killed until hours later, the Daily Mail reported.

She said that she stood in "frozen shock" as "a figure clad in black clothing and a mask walked towards her" before moving "towards the back sliding glass door" and leaving the house.

Mortensen locked herself in her room and did not come out until the next morning. The 21-year-old and other surving roommate Bethany Funke, reportedly did not call police until noon the next day.

The delay in contacting authorities prompted several online trolls and internet sleuths to attack Mortensen and Funke, with some even sharing baseless claims and theories about the duo being involved in the murders.

"You never really think about online backlash and trolls until you deal with it, and it's just a really hurtful thing," Mortensen’s stepmother, Patricia Munroe, previously told the New York Post.

"I challenge anyone to be in a position where they wake up to four of their roommates gone and, you know, not even realizing it," she said.

"People have to understand that these children are very young. You know, they're just young kids, and it's just a really traumatizing thing. I just think that people need to have compassion," Munroe added at the time.