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Bryan Kohberger Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Idaho Student Murders
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Bryan Kohberger Sentenced to Life Without Parole
BOISE, Idaho – Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, was sentenced Wednesday to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus 10 years for burglary.
Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty earlier this month in a surprise plea deal that spared him the death penalty. The victims—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were found stabbed to death in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.
Prosecutors presented DNA evidence, surveillance footage, and cellphone records linking Kohberger to the crime. His sentencing hearing was marked by emotional victim impact statements, with family members condemning him as “evil” and a “coward.”
Judge’s Emotional Remarks Before Sentencing
Judge Steven Hippler delivered a powerful speech before imposing the sentence, calling Kohberger’s actions “the worst of the worst.”
“This unfathomable and senseless act of evil has caused immeasurable pain and loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child. This is the greatest tragedy that can be inflicted upon a person.”
Hippler added:
“Parents who took their children to college in a truck filled with moving boxes had to bring them home in hearses lined with coffins.”
The judge also dismissed Kohberger’s lack of remorse, stating:
“Even in pleading guilty, he has given nothing in the hinting of remorse or redemption.”
Kohberger’s Full Sentence
Judge Hippler handed down the following penalties:
- Burglary: 10 years, $50,000 fine
- Murder of Madison Mogen: Life without parole, $50,000 fine, $5,000 civil penalty
- Murder of Kaylee Goncalves: Life without parole, $50,000 fine, $5,000 civil penalty
- Murder of Xana Kernodle: Life without parole, $50,000 fine, $5,000 civil penalty
- Murder of Ethan Chapin: Life without parole, $50,000 fine, $5,000 civil penalty
Kohberger declined to speak when given the opportunity, saying only: “I respectfully decline.”
Victims’ Families Confront Kohberger in Court
Madison Mogen’s Family: “She Was Our Light”
- Ben Mogen (father): “Maddie was the only great thing I ever did. She kept me alive when I didn’t want to live.”
- Kim Cheeley (grandmother): Recalled Maddie’s childhood nickname for her, “Deedle Beetle,” bringing a rare moment of lightness.
- Scott Laramie (stepfather): “Evil does not deserve time or attention. We are done being victims.”
Kaylee Goncalves’ Family: “You Picked the Wrong Families”
- Steve Goncalves (father): Mocked Kohberger’s intelligence, saying, “Master’s degree? You’re a joke.”
- Alivea Goncalves (sister): “If you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep, Kaylee would have kicked your ass.” (The courtroom erupted in applause.)
- Kristi Goncalves (mother): “While I’m disappointed the firing squad won’t get to take their shots at you, I’m confident the men in prison will have their way with you.”
Xana Kernodle’s Family: “You’re Going to Hell”
- Jeff Kernodle (father): Expressed regret for not visiting Xana the night of the murders, believing he could have saved them.
- Randy Davis (stepfather): “I just want five minutes out in the woods with you. You’re gonna go to hell.”
- Jazzmin Kernodle (sister): “No sentence will ever come close to the justice they deserve.”
- Cara Northington (mother): Surprisingly forgave Kohberger, saying, “Jesus has allowed me to forgive you.”
Surviving Roommates Speak Out
Dylan Mortensen’s Emotional Testimony
Mortensen, who was in the home during the attacks, described panic attacks and trauma:
“I can’t breathe, I can’t think, I can’t stop shaking. All I can do is scream because the grief is too much.”
Bethany Funke’s Statement (Read by a Friend)
Funke said she slept in her parents’ room for nearly a year after the murders and faced online harassment for not calling 911 sooner.
Prosecutor Defends Plea Deal
Bill Thompson, the lead prosecutor, explained why the state accepted Kohberger’s guilty plea:
“By pleading guilty and waiving appeals, we avoid decades of court proceedings. It is time to close this chapter.”
Some families, particularly the Goncalves and Kernodles, opposed the deal, wanting a trial for more answers.
Final Thoughts: Justice Served, But Pain Remains
While Kohberger will spend the rest of his life behind bars, the families of the victims must continue living with their loss. As Judge Hippler stated:
“It is time to end Mr. Kohberger’s 15 minutes of fame.”
The case, one of Idaho’s most notorious crimes, has left a permanent scar on the victims’ loved ones and the Moscow community.