Autopsies showed the four were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times. Two other women in the house at the time survived.
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a 2022 stabbing rampage, has reportedly agreed to plead guilty in a deal that would spare him the death penalty and result in four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Kohberger, 30, was arrested in December 2022 at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, weeks after the brutal killings in Moscow, Idaho. He was charged with sneaking into a rental home near the university campus in the early hours of November 13 and fatally stabbing Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves.
Though Kohberger had previously pleaded not guilty, the new plea deal—if accepted by the court—would see him waive his right to appeal and spend the rest of his life in prison.
The decision has outraged some of the victims’ families, particularly relatives of Kaylee Goncalves, who issued a scathing statement after learning of the deal through media reports.
“It’s true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us,” the family said in a statement. “Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support.”
In a follow-up message, they expressed frustration over being left out of the process: “After more than two years, this is how it concludes? With a secretive deal and a rushed effort to close the case without input from the victims’ families on the plea’s details.”
Autopsy reports revealed that the four victims were likely asleep when the attack occurred. Some showed signs of fighting back, but all were stabbed multiple times. Two other roommates who were present in the house survived the attack.
Kohberger became a suspect after DNA found on a knife sheath left at the scene was matched to him. He was later linked through surveillance footage and cellphone records.
A letter from prosecutors to the victims’ families, obtained by multiple outlets, confirmed that Kohberger’s defense team had initiated discussions about a plea agreement.
“This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,” the letter said. “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.”
While Idaho law allows judges to reject plea deals, such instances are rare. If a judge were to reject the agreement, Kohberger would be permitted to withdraw his plea.
A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, though the victims’ families are asking the court to postpone the proceedings to give them time to travel and attend in person.
