Key Details on Bryan Kohberger’s Potential Plea Deal in the Idaho Student Murders Case

Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four college students at an off-campus residence in Idaho three years ago, seems to be moving towards a guilty plea. The 30-year-old was expected to face trial in August for the murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, but a hearing is now scheduled for Wednesday in Boise.

Kohberger, a former doctoral student in criminology at Washington State University, faced four counts of first-degree murder and burglary linked to the killings that occurred on November 13, 2022, in Moscow, Idaho. Authorities established the connection between Kohberger and the murders through cellphone data, surveillance footage, and DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene.

Initially, prosecutors were exploring the death penalty as a potential outcome. The Latah County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recently broached the idea of a plea deal, according to statements from Goncalves’ family.

They received a proposed agreement that reportedly guarantees Kohberger’s conviction and a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole, aiming to spare the victims’ families from lengthy post-conviction appeals. However, the prosecutor’s office has not confirmed this proposal’s details, and certain family members have expressed outrage at the lack of communication regarding the agreement.

The Goncalves family expressed their anger, stating they were not consulted and firmly opposed any plea deal, advocating for the death penalty instead. Steve Goncalves conveyed feelings of failure by the state of Idaho in an interview.

In contrast, Ethan Chapin’s family plans to support the apparent agreement during Wednesday’s hearing, while the families of Mogen and Kernodle have remained silent. Kohberger’s family has requested privacy and respect during this sensitive time as they await the legal proceedings.

The scheduled hearing will be livestreamed at 11 a.m. local time at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, with public seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.