Bryan Kohberger, a 30-year-old former PhD criminology student, has pleaded guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students in a deal to avoid the death penalty. The victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen, were stabbed to death in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022.
During the hearing, Judge Steven Hippler asked Kohberger if he was pleading guilty because he was guilty, to which Kohberger replied, “Yes.” The judge then read out the charges against Kohberger, including one count of burglary and four counts of first-degree murder, each carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. Kohberger pleaded guilty to all the charges.
The plea deal, which has divided the families of the victims, ensures that Kohberger will spend the rest of his life behind bars. According to the agreement, Kohberger waived his right to appeal or seek leniency. Judge Hippler is expected to formally sentence Kohberger on July 23.
Prosecutors alleged that Kohberger planned the attack, buying the knife online around eight months before the murders. “There was no evidence of a sexual component to the killings,” prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson said. The plea deal means lingering questions about Kohberger’s motives may remain unanswered.
The families of the victims have expressed mixed reactions to the plea agreement. Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, felt “pretty let down” and said the state “made a deal with the devil.” The family wanted a full confession, including details about the location of the murder weapon and confirmation that Kohberger acted alone.
In contrast, Madison Mogen’s mother and stepfather supported the plea agreement, expressing gratitude to everyone who had supported them and noting that they had found “closure.” “We support the plea agreement 100%,” their attorney read. “We turn from tragedy and mourning… to the light of the future.”
Kohberger’s arrest and indictment followed an investigation that included DNA evidence found on a leather knife sheath at the crime scene. His defense team questioned the accuracy of the DNA evidence but failed to remove the death penalty as a sentencing option, citing an autism diagnosis for Kohberger.
Idaho is one of 27 US states that allows capital punishment, but there have been no executions since 2012. Kohberger’s sentencing will bring some closure to the families of the victims, but the plea deal has sparked debate about justice and accountability.