By Dayo Ade Olusola|Crime News|23 July 2025
The man who murdered four University of Idaho students has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, after a dramatic hearing in which grieving families confronted him face-to-face for the first time
Bryan Kohberger, 30, showed little emotion as he stood in court wearing an orange prison jumpsuit—having lost the right to wear civilian clothing after admitting to the brutal stabbings in a plea deal that spared him the death penalty.
The hearing at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise marked the culmination of a high-profile case that shocked the US and drew international attention. Kohberger, a former PhD criminology student, had accepted a deal that would see him spend the rest of his life in prison in exchange for avoiding a trial.
Family members of the victims—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—used the opportunity to deliver powerful statements, some laced with fury, others tempered with forgiveness.
Scott Laramie, stepfather of Madison Mogen, 21, described her death as a “senseless and brutal act of evil”, adding:
“Society needs to be protected against this evil. We are done being victims. We are taking back our lives.”
Kaylee Goncalves’ father, Steve, delivered a scathing statement, openly ridiculing Kohberger and condemning the plea deal.
“Today you’ve lost control. You picked the wrong families, the wrong state, the wrong police officers. You failed,” he said.
Referring to Kohberger’s academic background, he added:
“Master’s degree? You’re a joke. From this moment, we will forget you.”
Kaylee’s mother, Kristi Goncalves, declared:
“You are nothing. Hell will be waiting. May you live in misery.”
Sister Alivea Goncalves demanded answers from Kohberger, calling him a “coward” and asking:
“Where is the murder weapon? What were Kaylee’s last words? Do you feel anything at all?”
The only moment of visible emotion came when Kohberger exchanged a smile and a nod with his mother after a short recess.
There were more measured remarks from relatives of Xana Kernodle, 20. Her aunt, Kim Kernodle, expressed a remarkable offer of forgiveness:
“Bryan, I’m here to tell you I’ve forgiven you. Any time you want to talk and tell me what happened… I’m here. No judgment.”
Ethan Chapin’s parents, who supported the plea agreement, chose not to attend the hearing.
Ada County Judge Steve Hippler imposed four consecutive life sentences, emphasising that no parole would ever be considered. He also addressed the frustration of families who wanted answers:
“Even if I could force him to speak, which legally I cannot, how could anyone be assured what he says is the truth?”
Prosecutor Bill Thompson acknowledged the decision to offer a plea deal was divisive:
“Not everyone agreed with the decision we made. But it spares the families years—perhaps decades—of appeals and uncertainty.”
The Goncalves family remain vocal in their belief that the plea deal denied the public the chance to learn Kohberger’s true motive.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, posting on Truth Social that the judge should compel Kohberger to “explain what happened.”
However, Sandra Barrios, a trial court administrator, made it clear that such expectations were unrealistic:
“Nine out of ten times they don’t say anything… and he doesn’t have to.”
As Kohberger begins his life sentence, the families now face the daunting path of healing—without ever knowing why.
