Bryan Kohberger, a former PhD criminology student, has admitted to murdering four roommates in a small Idaho college town in 2022, striking a plea deal to evade the death penalty. Scheduled for trial in August, Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty in court during a hearing overseen by Judge Steven Hippler, who detailed the agreement that obligates Kohberger to surrender his right to appeal or request leniency.
The victims—Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen—were brutally killed in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Two other roommates in the house, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, survived the attack. When asked by the judge if he was pleading guilty because he committed the crimes, Kohberger responded affirmatively.
Initially entering a not guilty plea, Kohberger now faces serious charges: one count of burglary (with a maximum of 10 years) and four counts of first-degree murder (each carrying a potential life sentence). Judge Hippler announced that Kohberger's formal sentencing is set for July 23, where it is anticipated he will spend the remainder of his life in prison.
Though this plea deal brings an end to Kohberger’s trial, it raises questions that may have been addressed in court, including his motives. Prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson revealed that Kohberger had planned the attack for months, allegedly purchasing the weapon used in the stabbings online. While authorities recovered a knife sheath, the actual murder weapon has never been found. Additionally, investigators stated there was no indication of a "sexual component" in the killings.
The impact of the brutal murders and the age of the victims ignited widespread public interest in the case. Opinions on the plea agreement vary among victims' families. Steve Goncalves, father of Kaylee, expressed disappointment, stating that he believes the state "made a deal with the devil." His family wanted a detailed confession from Kohberger, including information on the location of the murder weapon and whether he acted alone.
In contrast, the family of Madison Mogen, including her mother and stepfather, expressed support for the plea deal in a statement conveyed by their attorney. They shared their gratitude for the community's support and expressed relief in moving towards closure, stating they are ready to turn their focus toward healing.
Kohberger, a student at Washington State University, was arrested at his home in Pennsylvania weeks after the stabbings, thanks in part to DNA evidence found on the sheath linked to the crime. A grand jury indicted him in May 2023. Although his defense team initially sought to cast doubt on the DNA evidence and attempted to change the trial venue, their effort to eliminate the death penalty option based on a diagnosis of autism was unsuccessful. While Idaho allows capital punishment, the state has not carried out any executions since 2012.
