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preCharge News IDAHO — Bryan Kohberger, the former criminal justice Ph.D. student accused in the brutal 2022 University of Idaho murders, formally pleaded guilty on Wednesday in a deal that spares him the death penalty.

In a courtroom packed with victims’ families and media, Kohberger admitted to killing four students — Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves — and entered a guilty plea to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.

The stabbing deaths occurred at a rental home in Moscow, Idaho, in the early hours of November 13, 2022. Kohberger was arrested six weeks later in Pennsylvania.

Details of the Plea Agreement

Kohberger to Serve Life Without Parole

Judge Steven Hippler confirmed that Kohberger faces four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole and an additional 10-year sentence for burglary. The court emphasized that although the plea deal removes the death penalty as an option, Kohberger waives his right to appeal and cannot request a different sentence.

When asked by Judge Hippler if he committed the murders, Kohberger responded:

“Yes.”

The judge then asked if he was pleading guilty because he was guilty. Again, Kohberger said:

“Yes.”

Victims’ Families React in Court

As the charges were read, families of the victims were visibly emotional. The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office had informed the families of the plea deal via letter, excerpts of which were shared by Ben Mogen, father of victim Madison Mogen.

Mogen said he felt “relieved” by the development:

“We can actually put this behind us… We get to just think about the rest of our lives and how to do it without Maddie.”

Evidence Presented by Prosecutors

DNA on Knife Sheath and Surveillance Footage

If the case had gone to trial, prosecutors intended to present compelling evidence including:

  • DNA evidence from a knife sheath found at the crime scene, matched to Kohberger.
  • Proof that Kohberger purchased the same type of knife and sheath on Amazon.
  • Surveillance footage of Kohberger’s vehicle.
  • Cellphone location data placing him near the crime scene on the night of the murders.

The murder weapon itself has not been recovered, officials confirmed.

Legal Process and Courtroom Strategy

Last-Minute Plea Deal Shocks Observers

Judge Hippler said he was not informed of the plea deal until Monday, just two days before the hearing. Kohberger’s trial had been set for August after numerous delays and legal motions.

One such motion to remove the death penalty had previously been denied in November 2024. The venue was moved to Boise, Idaho, amid concerns that local publicity could jeopardize Kohberger’s right to a fair trial.

Defense’s Alternate Suspect Theory Rejected

Most recently, Kohberger’s attorneys sought to suggest that four alternative suspects could have committed the murders. Judge Hippler dismissed the theory as “rank speculation,” citing a lack of evidence.

Legal Experts and Public Reaction

Legal Analysts Weigh In on Prosecutorial Strategy

Gretchen Engel of the Center for Death Penalty Litigation said last-minute plea deals are not unusual, but found it surprising that Idaho prosecutors agreed to forego capital punishment so close to trial.

Criminal defense attorney Polisi told preCharge News that Idaho likely chose the plea deal to:

  • Guarantee a conviction without risk of acquittal.
  • Avoid costly and lengthy appeals associated with death penalty cases.
  • Spare the families decades of retraumatizing legal proceedings.

“Trials are always a wildcard… You never know what a jury might do.”

Some Families Oppose the Deal

The Goncalves family issued a statement on Facebook, saying they were “beyond furious” and felt the state had “failed” them. They demanded:

  • A full confession
  • Disclosure of the murder weapon
  • Proof Kohberger acted alone
  • Complete transparency about the night of the killings

What Comes Next?

Sentencing Set for July 23

Kohberger’s formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 23, where victim impact statements will be presented. The process is expected to take one day.

While the case now moves toward final sentencing, legal analysts note that many unanswered questions remain — particularly regarding Kohberger’s motive.

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Associated Press, CNBC News, Fox News, and preCharge News contributed to this report.