Appearing in court on Wednesday at a plea hearing held at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, Bryan Kohberger accepted a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of four University of Idaho students in 2022, and one count of burglary felony.
By accepting the plea deal, the defendant would avoid a quadruple murder trial set for next month and a potential death penalty sentence. The plea deal would sentence Kohberger to four consecutive life terms without parole, ten years for burglary, and he would waive his right to appeal and seek leniency on the sentence.
The former criminology Ph.D. student stands accused of brutally murdering four University of Idaho Students in 2022: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. District Court Judge Steven Hippler is presiding over the case.
The plea deal has been received differently among the victims’ families. Steve Goncalves, father of victim Kaylee Goncalves, told NBC that he feels failed by the apparent plea deal, which his family told state prosecutors they were vehemently against. He continued, “How can you say it’s just when you haven’t even talked to us to see what justice looks like for us?” On the other side, a representative for the family of victim Ethan Chapin said they support a plea bargain.
During today’s hearing, Kohberger said under oath that he understood the plea agreement and the nature of the charges. The defendant could face a fine of up to $50,000 as well as a fine of up to $5,000 to each victim in the form of a civil judgment in addition to any restitution to the victims.
When asked if he stabbed the four University of Idaho Students “deliberately with premeditation and malice of forethought,” by Judge Steven Hippler, Kohberger responded, “yes.”
Judge Steven Hippler accepted the plea deal and will allow the families of the victims to speak at the upcoming sentencing, which is scheduled for July 23. Kohberger will continue to be held in jail until then.
