Bryan Kohberger Trial Puts Financial Strain on Victims' Families
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The families of University of Idaho students killed in an off-campus apartment in 2022 are receiving help from the public to attend suspect Bryan Kohberger's trial.
Three GoFundMe pages have been launched to help cover the financial costs of attending the trial, which is scheduled to take place in Boise in August.
Why It Matters
Kohberger's trial was moved from Latah County to Ada County last year after a judge granted the defense's request for a change of venue. The distance between the two counties is about 300 miles.
The fundraisers state that the families will use the money to cover various expenses, including travel, lost wages, food, and lodging.
Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.
He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Bryan Kohberger attends a pre-trial hearing at Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho, on September 13, 2023.
Bryan Kohberger attends a pre-trial hearing at Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho, on September 13, 2023.
Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images
What To Know
A GoFundMe page was recently launched to help Xana's mother, Cara Kernodle, attend the trial. The fundraiser has collected over $24,000 as of press time.
"The trial is in August and there is no way she can afford to be there without help," organizer Lori Scott wrote. "She has overcome so much and just wants to be there to know the correct justice is served. No mother should have to deal with this but to not be able to afford to be at trial is unthinkable."
Scott said Kernodle needs help with travel expenses, missed work and food costs.
"She has friends and her church, but the cost of everyday living has to be considered as well," Scott wrote. "Please help this mom be able to honor her daughter and friends by being there for whatever happens at this trial."
The Goncalves family is also receiving financial assistance to cover costs associated with attending the trial. A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $84,000 so far.
Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, outside the Ada County Courthouse on November 7, 2024, after attending a hearing in the case of Bryan Kohberger.
Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, outside the Ada County Courthouse on November 7, 2024, after attending a hearing in the case of Bryan Kohberger.
AP Photo/Rebecca Boone
Brooke Miller, the fundraiser's organizer, said the Goncalves family has not missed a single hearing in the case, and they would like to continue attending proceedings in Boise.
"We are looking to find an Airbnb or a house for rent that will house all 10 Goncalves family members as well as their small pets for at least those three months," Miller said. "Since this will be a huge disruption to their work and life, we also would love to raise enough money for meals, loss of work, transportation, etc."
A GoFundMe has been created for Madison's father, Ben Mogen. Organizer Brittany Westegaard said the money will help fund travel and lodging. The fundraiser has collected over $20,000 so far.
"We would love to help Ben be able to attend the trial with a few people close to him for support and not have to worry about the finances to make it happen," Westegaard said.
The Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program and the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association do not provide funding to relatives of victims for travel expenses, according to the Idaho Statesman.
What People Are Saying
Lori Scott, organizer of a GoFundMe for Cara Kernodle: "I spoke with her today and she has been stressing this. Let's help her not have to. Xana was a college student who loved her boyfriend, her sister Jazzmin, her little brother Elijah, her mom, and dad. Just a young woman who was well on her way to being a successful woman with a smile that would light the darkest night."
Kristi Goncalves, Kaylee's mother, in a GoFundMe update: "My family of 10 are all going to be able to attend. It is so important to each one of us, to be there for each other. At times it feels like this tragedy is never going to end, but lifting this burden has made it easier for me to sleep at night."
Ben Mogen, Madison's father, in a GoFundMe update: "We couldn't have made the trip without Brittany Westegaard and you all. It's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for us. Ever."
What Happens Next
Kohberger's trial is set to begin on August 11, with jury selection starting in late July.
Kohberger's attorneys submitted a motion on May 20 to postpone the trial's start. The judge has yet to rule on the motion.
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