The family of Ethan Chapin — one of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger — has shared a heartfelt statement following their decision not to attend his sentencing last month.
On July 23, Kohberger, 30, was sentenced to four consecutive life terms in an Idaho courtroom for the brutal killings of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Chapin, 20. In addition, he received 10 years for a burglary charge and was ordered to pay $270,000 in fines and civil penalties.
The four students were found brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus Moscow home on November 13, 2022.
Although the Chapin family did not attend the sentencing, they released a public statement via Ethan’s mother Stacy Chapin’s Instagram on July 31. In it, they explained they had “given a lot of thought” to what they wanted to say.
“[We] have edited this a million times. The entire situation has been a tough pill to swallow, but at the end of the day, we believe the outcome is the right one,” the family wrote, alongside photos of Ethan with his parents Stacy and Jim, and siblings Hunter and Maizie.
Expressing gratitude to “the true heroes in our lives,” the Chapins extended heartfelt thanks to the Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police, and the FBI “who worked tirelessly on this case, and spent time away from their loved ones.”
They also acknowledged the prosecutors who “openly communicated with transparency, answered every call and email, and were fantastic throughout this process.”
Their appreciation extended to the University of Idaho staff, who, they said, had continuously supported their family — particularly Ethan’s siblings Maizie and Hunter — from orientation to graduation this past May. The post also highlighted the support of “our incredible extended family, friends, and the communities that continue to lift us up every day.”
“They’re our backbone, and we recognize how fortunate and privileged we are to have this ongoing support,” the family wrote.
In a special shoutout, the Chapins also thanked “All of the kids!! Close friends of the triplets, Greek family, and others who were part of this story from the very beginning.”
“Although each of their experiences is different, all have suffered severe loss and trauma. We continue to be in awe of their strength and will continue to support them in any way we can,” they said, adding gratitude for “the media for providing us with opportunities to share our story while treating us with respect and care.”
The family ended their message with a moving tribute to Ethan:
“Finally, thank you, Ethan. You were only with us for 20 years, but you touched the lives of so many people,” they wrote.
“From the time you were a baby to when we dropped you off at college, you were an absolute joy and the glue that held our family together. We remember your smile, your laugh, how you kept us in check, and the many ways you brought happiness and light to any situation.”
“There will never be another you. There would never have been enough time with you. We love you, miss you, and promise to continue honoring your legacy.”
The Chapin family’s statement follows the release of newly unsealed police reports by the Moscow Police Department, which offer deeper insight into the victims’ final moments.
Investigators now believe that neither Ethan nor his girlfriend Kernodle were the intended targets. Reports suggest that Kernodle encountered Kohberger after returning upstairs from retrieving a DoorDash delivery on the first floor.
It’s believed that Kohberger may have chased and stabbed Kernodle more than 50 times. In doing so, he allegedly left behind the KA-BAR knife sheath — a crucial piece of evidence in the case. Kernodle is said to have fought back, and the struggle likely alerted surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen.
In a deeply emotional interview on the TODAY show ahead of Kohberger’s sentencing, Ethan’s parents reflected on facing their son’s accused killer in court.
“You expected some — I don’t know — some remorse, emotion, something, and there was just zero,” Stacy said of seeing Kohberger during his July 2 plea hearing.
Ethan’s parents said they speak to him every day.
“I have him where I need him,” Stacy said. “In my mind and my heart and my soul.”
