Bryan Kohberger accepted a plea deal in the murder of four University of Idaho students.
Kohberger accepted a plea deal for the Nov. 13, 2022, murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves ahead of the Aug. 11 trial date. According to NewsNation, Kohberger will plead guilty to four first-degree murder charges in addition to a burglary charge in exchange for the prosecution dropping its push for the death penalty. Under the deal, he will spend his life in prison without the chance of parole or appeal.
The Goncalves family expressed their fury over the deal in a Facebook post, confirming the plea deal.
“It’s true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support,” they said, adding that they were heartbroken.
Moscow Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson signed the letters informing the families of the plea deal, one of which was provided to the Idaho Statesman.
JUDGE KEEPS DEATH PENALTY ON THE TABLE FOR BRYAN KOHBERGER REGARDLESS OF AUTISM DIAGNOSIS
“We cannot fathom the toll that this case has taken on your family,” the letter read. “This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family. This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals.”
The four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death in their rental home near the college campus. Two other female roommates were in the house at the time but weren’t attacked. Kohberger was arrested after a month-and-a-half-long investigation.