Nearly two years after the shocking murder of four college students in Moscow, Idaho, suspect Bryan Kohberger guilty plear is expected to plead guilty to all four charges in a deal designed to avoid the death penalty, according to CBS News and other US media.
The victims—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were stabbed to death in their off-campus rental home just days before Thanksgiving in 2022. The case captured national attention due to its brutality, mystery, and the months-long manhunt that followed.
Plea Deal Reached to Avoid Capital Punishment
Prosecutors reportedly notified the victims’ families of the impending plea deal in a letter, portions of which were shared by CBS and the Idaho Statesman. If accepted, Kohberger would serve life in prison without the possibility of parole and waive all rights to future appeals.
Relatives of Kaylee Goncalves reacted angrily to the news, posting on social media: “It’s true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us.”
However, Ben Mogen, father of victim Madison Mogen, said he supports the decision. “This agreement spares families from decades of torture through legal appeals,” he told CBS, adding that it brings a sense of closure and justice.
Details of the Crime and Investigation Bryan Kohberger guilty plea
Kohberger, a 30-year-old criminology graduate student at nearby Washington State University, was arrested weeks after the killings at his family home in Pennsylvania. Authorities say DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene via a leather knife sheath.
Court filings also revealed that investigators recovered a Glock pistol, black gloves, masks, and a knife during a search of Kohberger’s home. Though no clear motive has been provided, prosecutors had previously insisted on seeking the death penalty.
Attempts by the defense to remove capital punishment as an option—citing an autism diagnosis—were rejected by the court.
What Happens Next?
The plea hearing is reportedly set for Wednesday. If the judge accepts the terms, Kohberger will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole, and Idaho will not pursue the death penalty.
The Latah County prosecutor’s letter stated: “This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals.”
Capital Punishment in Idaho
Although Idaho is among the 27 US states that allow the death penalty, the state has not conducted an execution since 2012, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Legal challenges and drug procurement issues have delayed all scheduled executions for over a decade.
Mixed Reactions from Families and the Public
Reactions to the plea deal remain divided. Some families see it as a failure of justice, while others are relieved to avoid years of retraumatizing trials and appeals.
Meanwhile, legal experts note that the move may reflect strategic considerations, given DNA evidence challenges raised by the defense and ongoing concerns about ensuring a fair trial after intense pre-trial publicity.
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