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Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty Wednesday to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. The plea deal, accepted just weeks before his trial was set to begin, spares him the death penalty in exchange for four consecutive life sentences. The decision has drawn mixed reactions from victims' families, some of whom say the agreement blindsided them.
What to Know:
- A former criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, Bryan Kohberger, was arrested in December 2022 and charged with the fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students.
- Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were killed in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.
- Legal analysts say Kohberger's defense team had lost multiple pretrial motions, including efforts to exclude DNA evidence and to remove the death penalty from consideration.
- Some families, including Kaylee Goncalves's, have expressed anger over the plea, saying they were not adequately consulted.
- Sentencing is expected on July 23.
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Jul 02, 2025 at 04:33 PM EDT
David Leroy, former attorney general and lieutenant governor of Idaho, told Newsweek that Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson "very carefully considered" the plea agreement in Bryan Kohberger's case.
"I know that Mr. Thompson, the county prosecutor, very carefully considered the interests of his community in this very dreadful set of facts that shocked the university, that caused all of the disruption and angst for not only the victim's family, but people all over Idaho and throughout the world, in fact, for the last two and a half years," Leroy said.
Leroy spoke about the conditions that had to be met for the prosecution to consider a deal.
"If there were ever to be a guilty plea, it had to be at exactly this instant, to exactly the kind of thing that the defense agreed to, namely every single crime a guilty plea and every single maximum penalty agreed to be imposed, and every appeal possibility being waived," Leroy said.
Judge Steven Hippler revealed during the hearing that members of the public have been calling his chambers to influence his decision on whether to accept the plea deal.
"The reference to the phone calls in his chambers and the interruption of orderly business therein was in reply to what I believe was a call by one or more of the victims' families to protest in any way possible, particularly to the judge, that this process not go forward to allow a plea and setting aside the death penalty," Leory said.
Leroy said that the prosecuting attorney is the "gatekeeper" of the decision whether to seek the death penalty, not the judge.
"He was not trying to throw Mr. Thompson under the bus," Leroy said. "He was simply stating a fact that the prosecutor gives notice, if in the best interest of his elected community, if he wishes to seek the death penalty, and he also controls the right not to seek the death penalty. Neither the judge nor the victim's families have that ability to control."
Jul 02, 2025 at 03:44 PM EDT
Idaho-based attorney reacts: Kohberger’s case is ‘huge win’ for prosecution
Jennifer Dockter, an attorney and co-founder of Idaho-based D&H Law Office, told Newsweek how the plea deal in Bryan Kohberger's case is a "huge win" for the prosecution.
"For the state to get four convictions for murder, it's a huge win for the state," Dockter said.
Dockter shared her reaction to learning about the plea deal.
"I think it's not surprising in the broader legal scope of the way these cases sometimes occur. I think I was a little surprised with this particular defendant," Dockter said.
She said both the defense and the prosecution benefit from knowing the case's outcome.
"I think always, for all parties, anytime plea agreements are reached, one advantage they both enjoy is certainty," Dockter said.
Family members of the victims shared mixed reactions to the plea deal. While some expressed support for the agreement, the family of Kaylee Goncalves slammed the decision, saying they were "beyond furious" at the state.
Dockter said family members of victims are consulted and given notice of plea agreements, but they do not have legal authority beyond that.
"They have a voice, not a choice," Dockter said. "That's kind of the way we try to look at it. Their opinion should matter, but it doesn't govern."
Jul 02, 2025 at 03:15 PM EDT
Families weep in courtroom as Kohberger pleads guilty
Kristi Goncalves, mother of Kaylee Goncalves, quietly cried when her daughter's name was read aloud by the judge. A woman identified as Kaylee's aunt kept her head down, holding her forehead, and broke into tears when prosecutors described the blood found on the murder weapon.
Ben Mogen, father of Madison Mogen, appeared tense and overwhelmed. He breathed heavily and wiped his eyes with a handkerchief, avoiding eye contact with Kohberger throughout the proceeding.
Jul 02, 2025 at 02:05 PM EDT
Kohberger sentencing set for July 23; will appear in jail attire
According to Judge Steven Hippler, Bryan Kohberger will be formally sentenced on July 23 at 9 a.m. local time, with an additional day reserved if needed. Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, will remain in custody until then.
Because he no longer holds the presumption of innocence, Hippler ruled that Kohberger must appear in jail-issued clothing for the sentencing hearing. The judge also confirmed that Kohberger will continue to be held in jail without bond pending the proceeding.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:59 PM EDT
Bryan Kohberger formally pleaded guilty Wednesday to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students.
Hippler accepted Kohberger's guilty plea and announced that the victims' families could deliver impact statements at a future sentencing hearing.
Prosecutor Bill Thompson noted that "numerous victims and those who share unique perspectives" desire to speak.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:57 PM EDT
Prosecutor outlines phone, DNA, and car evidence linking Kohberger to crime
During Bryan Kohberger's plea hearing, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson detailed key pieces of evidence that would have been presented at trial, including cellphone data, DNA, and surveillance footage.
Thompson said Kohberger's phone connected to a tower near the King Road residence in Moscow, Idaho, approximately 23 times before the murders, placing him in the area repeatedly. "We do not have evidence that he had direct contact with 1122, but we can put his phone in that area at those times," Thompson said, according to NBC News.
He also described how investigators believe Kohberger entered the home through a sliding glass door in the early morning of November 13, 2022. Prosecutors allege he first killed Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves on the third floor, where a Ka-Bar knife sheath was later found. DNA from the snap of the sheath matched Kohberger.
Additionally, surveillance footage captured a white sedan—matching Kohberger's vehicle—leaving the area at high speed shortly after the killings. Kohberger has since pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for life sentences without parole.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:48 PM EDT
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson outlined the evidence the state would have presented at trial. While much of the information was already known to the public, Thompson made a point to clarify that there is no evidence of any sexual assault in the case.
"I want to make that clear so there's no speculation," Thompson said, addressing a topic that has fueled online rumors since the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:41 PM EDT
Judge goes over each charge against Kohberger
Kohberger confirmed in court Wednesday that he entered the off-campus home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, with the intent to commit murder, and that he willfully and deliberately killed four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
As Judge Steven Hippler read through each charge—four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary—Kohberger responded with a quiet but clear "yes," acknowledging the truth of the allegations. He showed no visible emotion as he admitted to the premeditated killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Hippler explained that the state would have needed to prove Kohberger entered the residence intending to commit felony murder. Kohberger's responses confirmed that he accepted full responsibility under the terms of the plea agreement, which spares him the death penalty in exchange for life in prison without parole.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:31 PM EDT
Kohberger pleads guilty to murders and burglary in Idaho case
The plea deal spares him the death penalty in exchange for four consecutive life sentences and a maximum 10-year sentence for burglary.
As part of the agreement, Kohberger's defense team has committed not to seek a lighter sentence than what is outlined in the deal. In court, Kohberger responded to Judge Steven Hippler's questions with brief "yes" and "no" answers, confirming that he understood the terms and was entering the plea voluntarily.
The hearing marks a turning point in a case that has gripped national attention for nearly three years. Sentencing is expected later this month.
He also waives the right to appeal as part of the plea agreement.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:23 PM EDT
Judge says public calls trying to sway plea decision are inappropriate
Judge Steven Hippler revealed during Wednesday's hearing that members of the public have been calling his chambers to influence his decision regarding Bryan Kohberger's plea deal. He described the outreach as disruptive to his staff and emphasized that he has not listened to any of the messages.
"It's inappropriate to contact my staff," Hippler said firmly, adding that his role is to ensure Kohberger's plea is entered voluntarily and by the law.
Hippler also noted that he only learned of the plea agreement on Monday and had previously believed the case was still headed to trial. His comments underscored the intense public scrutiny surrounding the case, which has drawn national attention since the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:19 PM EDT
Judge said that public attempted to contact him to ‘influence’ his decision
Idaho Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler is warning that the public should not try to and will not influence his decisions in the courtroom as the hearing kicks off.
"This has been extraordinarily disruptive for court staff and the ability for them to get work done, not only in this case, but in other cases," he said.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:17 PM EDT
Kohberger, legal teams, and victims’ families gather as hearing begins
Bryan Kohberger appeared in court Wednesday alongside his defense attorneys, Anne Taylor, Elisa Massoth, and Bicka Barlow, as he prepared to formally plead guilty in the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.
Prosecutors Bill Thompson, Jeff Nye, and special prosecutor Josh Hurwit represented the state.
Kristi Goncalves, mother of Kaylee Goncalves, wore all black and held hands with a woman beside her. Madison Mogen's mother, Karen Laramie, was also in attendance, along with other relatives of the victims.
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:15 PM EDT
Kohberger’s family asks for privacy and respect amid plea deal
In a rare public statement, the family of Bryan Kohberger has asked for "privacy, respect, and responsible judgment" as he prepares to plead guilty in the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.
The statement, issued through the family's attorney, comes ahead of Kohberger's scheduled court appearance in Boise.
"We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties, and will not release any comments or take any questions," the family said. "We ask that you respect our wishes during a difficult time for all those affected."
Jul 02, 2025 at 01:11 PM EDT
Goncalves family arrives at courthouse, but father steps away
The family of Kaylee Goncalves arrived at the Ada County Courthouse ahead of Bryan Kohberger's expected plea hearing, entering together through the front entrance. Steve Goncalves, Kaylee's father and one of the most vocal advocates for justice in the case, walked with them but did not stay.
Steve, who previously said he couldn't emotionally handle being in the courtroom for the plea, left shortly after escorting his family inside. His absence underscores the emotional toll the case continues to take on the victims' loved ones, even as it nears a legal resolution.
Jul 02, 2025 at 12:51 PM EDT
What could happen today
Bryan Kohberger is expected to plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary on Wednesday.
District Judge Steven Hippler can reject the deal if the prosecution and defense have reached a binding plea agreement, though the practice is rare.
Hippler will likely ask Kohberger several questions, including whether his plea is being made voluntarily, whether he understands the consequences of accepting the deal, and whether he realizes that he's waiving his constitutional right to a trial by jury.
Kohberger may also be required to fill out a guilty plea advisory form. The form acknowledges that the defendant is waiving the right to remain silent regarding some aspects of the crimes the defendant pleaded guilty to. The defendant can refuse questions that could indicate other crimes or impact sentencing.
If Kohberger changes his plea, Hippler is expected to set a date for sentencing. That hearing will likely include testimony from the victims' family members, and Kohberger will have the opportunity to address the court.
Jul 02, 2025 at 12:22 PM EDT
Kohberger plea deal may close case but leave families without answers
As Bryan Kohberger prepares to plead guilty in the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, families of the victims and legal observers are expressing concern that the plea may leave major questions unresolved. The trial, once expected to reveal key details about the killings, may now be avoided entirely.
A strict gag order has kept attorneys, investigators, and others involved from speaking publicly since the early days of the case. With a plea deal reportedly in place, some may now choose to speak out, but Kohberger himself has remained silent throughout the proceedings and may never be required to explain his actions.
Idaho defense attorney Edwina Elcox noted that a guilty plea could mean the public never learns critical facts, including the motive or the location of the murder weapon. The Goncalves family, whose daughter Kaylee was among the victims, echoed that concern in a recent Facebook post, saying they still want to know what happened that night and why.
Jul 02, 2025 at 11:50 AM EDT
Kohberger expected to plead guilty in Idaho student murders
Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, is expected to plead guilty Wednesday in a deal that would spare him the death penalty. The plea hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise.
Kohberger, 30, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the fatal stabbings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. The victims were found dead in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022.
According to multiple reports, the plea agreement includes four consecutive life sentences without parole and a 10-year sentence for burglary. Kohberger will also waive his right to appeal.
The deal has drawn sharp criticism from some victims' families, particularly the Goncalves family, who say they were not consulted and remain adamant that prosecutors should have pursued the death penalty. Other families, including that of Ethan Chapin, have expressed support for the agreement.
Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, was arrested in Pennsylvania weeks after the murders. Prosecutors had previously announced their intent to seek the death penalty if the case went to trial.
Jul 02, 2025 at 11:12 AM EDT
48 Hours to cover Bryan Kohberger trial in real time with new podcast
CBS's 48 Hours will launch a weekly video podcast offering real-time coverage of the upcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022. Titled Inside the Bryan Kohberger Trial: The Idaho Student Murders, the series will be hosted by longtime correspondent Peter Van Sant and debut July 26 with three background episodes.
Once the trial begins, the podcast will release weekly updates featuring courtroom developments, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews. It marks the first time 48 Hours will cover a murder trial in video and audio formats as it unfolds.
The case, which has drawn national attention, centers on the fatal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger, a former criminology student, has pleaded not guilty.
The podcast will be available on platforms including YouTube, Pluto TV, and major streaming services.
Jul 02, 2025 at 10:26 AM EDT
Kohberger professor: ‘He seemed eager to be in the classroom’
A professor who taught Bryan Kohberger said she wonders if her teachings inspired him to commit the alleged crimes he is accused of.
"I have to look at the framework of what I taught and wonder, did I inspire him in some way?" Dr. Katherine Ramsland told NewsNation. "But I can't second-guess that because I may have inspired somebody else to become an FBI agent. And unfortunately, in this field, that's what we live with."
Ramsland taught Kohberger in four classes at DeSales University, where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees. One class included "Dangerous Minds: The Psychology of Anti-Social Behavior," which Ramsland said featured a close analysis of mass murderers. The professor said she did not notice any "red flags" while teaching Kohberger.
"He seemed eager to be in the classroom. He was polite, he was respectful, intense and curious," Ramsland said.
Jul 02, 2025 at 10:06 AM EDT
Bryan Kohberger plea deal sparks wave of reaction online
A wave of reactions blitzed social media after reports that Bryan Kohberger, suspect in the killings of four Idaho college students, reached a plea deal weeks ahead of his expected jury trial.
Newsweek previously reached out to Kohberger's attorney via email Monday for comment.
The deadly stabbing attack on the University of Idaho students has remained in the national spotlight due to its brutality and age of the victims.
The unresolved legal process has gripped observers across the United States, resurfacing debates about the death penalty, victims' rights and the responsibilities of prosecutors in high-profile cases.
Kohberger, 30, is charged in the November 13, 2022, killings of students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, in their off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho.
NewsNation's Brian Entin first broke the news of the plea deal on social media Monday evening.
According to multiple national media outlets, Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to the four slayings in exchange for the death penalty being taken off the table and serving a life sentence.
As legal proceedings unfolded, there was a gag order that restricted involved parties from making statements amid the heightened media attention surrounding the case.
The Goncalves family reacted to the news Monday night on Facebook, writing, "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. #heartbroken #kayleejade4ever"
Read the full story by Anna Commander on Newsweek.
Jul 02, 2025 at 09:54 AM EDT
Goncalves family slams plea deal, calls out prosecutor’s ‘betrayal’
The family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students murdered in 2022, issued a blistering public statement condemning the plea deal offered to Bryan Kohberger and the prosecutors behind it. In a post shared to their official Facebook page, the Goncalves family accused Moscow Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson of denying them justice and bypassing the families in a rushed, secretive agreement.
"This ain't justice," the post reads. "No judge presided, no jury weighed the truth." The family criticized Thompson for failing to consult them before finalizing the deal, which spares Kohberger the death penalty in exchange for a guilty plea and life in prison without parole.
Calling the agreement "cowardly" and "gutless," the family said they would have demanded full accountability, including a detailed confession, a ban on profiting from the case, and protection for the surviving victims. They also urged Judge Steven Hippler to take control of the case and ensure the plea deal reflects the gravity of the crimes.
Jul 02, 2025 at 09:41 AM EDT
Timeline: July 2, 2025—Kohberger to plead guilty
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In a dramatic turn, Kohberger is expected to plead guilty to all charges, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for four consecutive life sentences.
The plea deal also includes a 10-year sentence for burglary and a complete waiver of appeal rights.
While prosecutors call the agreement a step toward justice, some victims' families have criticized the process as rushed and lacking transparency.
Jul 02, 2025 at 09:26 AM EDT
Timeline: June 2025—Evidence survives legal challenge
A judge denied Kohberger's motion to exclude key DNA evidence, including a sample found on a knife sheath left at the crime scene.
The ruling was a significant blow to the defense, which had argued the evidence was improperly obtained.
Legal analysts said the decision significantly strengthened the prosecution's case heading into trial.
Jul 02, 2025 at 09:13 AM EDT
Timeline: September 2024—Trial moved to Ada County
The Idaho Supreme Court approved a change of venue, citing concerns over pretrial publicity and the ability to seat an impartial jury.
Kohberger's trial was moved from Latah County to Ada County, where Boise will now host the proceedings.
The decision followed months of legal wrangling and underscored the intense public scrutiny surrounding the case.
Jul 02, 2025 at 09:00 AM EDT
Timeline: May 2023—Grand jury indicts Kohberger
A grand jury formally indicted Kohberger on all charges, allowing the case to proceed without a preliminary hearing. Kohberger, who had previously maintained his innocence, stood silent in court as a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.
The indictment marked a major step forward in the legal process, setting the stage for a high-profile trial.
Jul 02, 2025 at 08:47 AM EDT
Timeline: December 30, 2022—A break in the case
After weeks of mounting pressure and national attention, authorities arrested 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger at his parents' home in Pennsylvania.
A criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University, Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.
His arrest came just hours before a memorial service for two of the victims, offering a bittersweet moment of relief for grieving families.
Jul 02, 2025 at 08:33 AM EDT
Timeline: November 13, 2022—A quiet college town shattered
Four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were found brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus home early Sunday morning.
The shocking discovery sent waves of fear through the small college town of Moscow, where violent crime is rare. Police said the attack appeared targeted, but no suspect or motive was immediately identified.
Jul 02, 2025 at 08:20 AM EDT
What time is the hearing?
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Bryan Kohberger, the man charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, is expected in court on Wednesday morning to plead guilty in a deal to avoid the death penalty.
Kohberger, 30, is expected to plead guilty to charges that he murdered Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, in Moscow, Idaho, early on November 13, 2022.
He agreed to the plea deal in the past few days, just weeks before his trial was set to begin, after his attorneys tried but failed to stop prosecutors from seeking the death penalty. The deal has divided the victims' families, with some furious that it will allow Kohberger to avoid capital punishment and others supporting it.
Kohberger is due to appear before Idaho Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler for a change of plea hearing at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise at 11 a.m. MDT (1 p.m. ET), according to a notice filed on Monday.
Read the full story by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.
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