Bryan Kohberger, the man who admitted to killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, will have a final opportunity to speak publicly about the crime and respond to the victims’ grieving families during his sentencing on Wednesday, according to a CNN report.
Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty earlier this month to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the brutal November 13, 2022 killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The victims were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.
By pleading guilty during his July 2 court appearance, Kohberger avoided a lengthy trial and the possibility of the death penalty. Now, before the judge hands down a sentence, he will be given the chance to address the court directly.
This moment—often used by defendants to express remorse, offer explanations, or apologize—may pass without much revelation. Legal analyst and trial attorney Mercedes Colwin told CNN she doubts Kohberger will say anything meaningful.
“We already know several families plan to give victim impact statements,” Colwin said. “That will be gut-wrenching. Then he’ll be allowed to speak, but I don’t expect him to express remorse. I don’t expect him to say anything at all.”
Trump: “Make Him Explain”
Even former President Donald Trump weighed in on the high-profile case, writing on Truth Social Monday that the judge should “make” Kohberger explain his actions before sentencing.
Throughout past court appearances, Kohberger has remained silent and expressionless—even as prosecutors described how he allegedly crept into the students’ home through a sliding door and fatally stabbed them while two surviving roommates hid and sent panicked messages.
Change-of-Plea Hearing Details
During the change-of-plea hearing, Judge Steven Hippler questioned Kohberger directly to confirm his admissions.
“Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?” the judge asked.
“Yes,” Kohberger replied.
“Did you, on November 13, 2022, enter the residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, with the intent to commit the felony crime of murder?” Hippler continued.
“Yes,” Kohberger responded again.
With the sentencing set for Wednesday, families of the victims are expected to give emotional and heartbreaking statements before the court. Whether Kohberger breaks his silence remains to be seen.
