MOSCOW, Idaho (LOOTPRESS) — Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in a brutal 2022 attack, has agreed to plead guilty to all charges, according to a letter sent to the victims’ families. In doing so, he will avoid the death penalty.
As part of the plea deal, Kohberger will be sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of paroleand has waived all rights to appeal.
The plea hearing is scheduled for July 2, where the agreement is expected to be formally entered into the court record.
Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, was charged with the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, who were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022. The case sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted a months-long investigation before Kohberger’s arrest in December of that year.
Prosecutors had previously indicated they would seek the death penalty. However, sources say the decision to accept a guilty plea came after lengthy discussions with the victims’ families.
The July 2 court appearance is expected to bring a major legal chapter to a close, though the emotional impact of the case continues to be deeply felt in the Moscow and University of Idaho communities.
