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Fox News
23-07-2025
- Fox News
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted in Idaho college slayings
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, can face the death penalty, a judge ruled Wednesday. On Wednesday, Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied their motion in his ruling. "The court concludes relief in defendant's favor is not warranted on any of the motions," Hippler wrote in his 55-page order. The prosecution noted that it intends to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted. BRYAN KOHBERGER'S DEFENSE CHALLENGES DNA EVIDENCE, WARRANTS IN IDAHO QUADRUPLE MURDER CASE Hippler pointed to the constitutionality of capital punishment in the U.S., pointing back to the times that the supreme courts of Idaho upheld the death penalty. BRYAN KOHBERGER DEFENSE CALLS IN FAMED EXPERT WHO HELPED O.J. SIMPSON Kohberger's defense has long-sought to remove the death penalty if the 29-year-old is convicted. His defense attorney, Jay Logsdon, previously had argued that the death penalty goes against "contemporary standards of decency." FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Logsdon previously pointed to the 24 states that allow the death penalty, arguing that support for capital punishment was "bleak." "In reality, less than half the states still have the death penalty pursuant to legislative or executive actions," he wrote. "Taking population of those states into account, support for the death penalty is even bleaker." SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Kohberger is accused of the Nov. 2022 stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students at a house near the college campus in Moscow. Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, in connection with the fatal stabbing of four University of Idaho students – Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. In a statement, Goncalves' family said that they were "overjoyed" to hear about Kohberger potentially receiving capital punishment. "This journey for justice for Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan is filled with highs and lows. Some days you are hopeful that justice will be served and other days you are filled with hopelessness and sadness. Today is a day for hope!" the family said. "The last 2 years in front of Judge have been filled with frustration and disappointment. (From not pronouncing the victim's names correctly, laughing in the courtroom to entertaining every ridiculous motion or argument the Defense could muster.) That has been our last 2 years, and now we are hopeful again." "We finally have a judge who we believe is prepared, thoughtful and understands the process. There is a level of seriousness that has not been present for a long time. So today, when we heard of the motions being denied in regard to the Death Penalty, we were overjoyed," they added. "For our family, for our friends, for our supporters, for everyone who has shed a tear, made a donation or listened to the story of the children that were murdered, Justice is moving forward and one day in the not so distant future, hopefully it will be served," they said. "Thank you again to everyone for all your support and prayers and especially to the people of Boise who have welcomed us with open arms!" CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP He is eligible for the death penalty in Idaho only with a conviction of first-degree murder or conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
The Independent
23-07-2025
- The Independent
The Latest: Bryan Kohberger to be sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students
A judge is expected to order Bryan Kohberger to serve four life sentences without parole this week for the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students nearly three years ago. The hearing will give the families of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves the opportunity to describe the anguish they've felt since their loved ones were killed in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022. Here's the latest: The Ada County Courthouse has opened in preparation for Kohberger's sentencing hearing A court administrator handed out numbered tickets to the dozens of people lined up outside. A security screening at the courthouse entrance included metal detectors and bag screening machines. A second bag check was performed on the fourth floor, just outside the courtroom. Then attendees were ushered into a large room normally used for prospective jurors and directed to sit in numbered seats that matched their tickets. Once the courtroom opens, the attendees with the lowest numbers will be allowed to sit inside, while the remaining people will have to watch the proceedings via a projection screen in the holding room. More than a hundred people were in the holding room roughly an hour before the hearing was set to begin. Foundations honor Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan Friends and family members have sought to commemorate the victims' lives by raising money for scholarships and other initiatives. Ethan's Smile Foundation, started by Chapin's family, honors his 'love of life, people, and new adventures by providing scholarships that enable others to follow their dreams,' its website says. The Made With Kindness Foundation honors the legacy of Mogen, Goncalves, and Kernodle through scholarships, wellness support and empowerment initiatives. 'Our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation, turning their dreams into realities in a world that values compassion and community,' its website says. The University of Idaho built the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial in memory of all students who passed away while enrolled at the school. Kohberger's motive and many other details are unknown If they know why Kohberger did it, investigators haven't said so publicly. Nor is it clear why he spared two roommates who were home at the time. Cellphone location data did show Kohberger had been in the neighborhood multiple times before the attack. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said that Kohberger used his knowledge about forensic investigations to attempt to cover his tracks by deep cleaning his vehicle after the crime. Police say Kohberger's Amazon purchase history shows he bought a military-style knife as well as the knife sheath found at the home. But the knife itself was never found. Kohberger will have the opportunity to speak at Wednesday's hearing. Defendants sometimes use such chances to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing. But Kohberger also has the right to remain silent — despite a suggestion from President Donald Trump that the judge should force Kohberger to explain himself. A judge lifted the gag order last week An Idaho judge lifted a sweeping gag order Thursday in Bryan Kohberger's quadruple murder case. A coalition of news organizations, including The Associated Press, had asked the court to lift the gag order since a trial is no longer planned. 'The primary purpose of the non-dissemination order, which is to ensure that we can seat an impartial jury, is no longer at play,' Hippler said. He said he couldn't justify continuing the gag order because the public has the right to receive information about the case, and those rights are 'paramount.' Kohberger's defense team argued against lifting the gag order, saying it could lead to more media coverage and jeopardize the integrity of the sentencing process. 'The media frenzy, as it's been described, will continue regardless,' Hippler said. 'Lifting the non-dissemination order does not require the counsel or others previously bound by it to speak.' A different judge in Moscow, Idaho, originally issued the gag order early in the case, saying additional publicity could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. ▶ Read more about the gag order Families of the Idaho students Bryan Kohberger stabbed to death are set to see him sentenced A judge is expected to order Bryan Kohberger to serve four life sentences without parole this week for the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students nearly three years ago. Wednesday's sentencing hearing will give the families of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves the opportunity to describe the anguish they've felt since their loved ones were killed in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania about six weeks after the killings. He initially stood silent when asked to enter a plea, so a judge entered a 'not guilty' plea on his behalf. As the criminal case unfolded, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson announced that he would seek the death penalty if Kohberger was convicted. The court-defense team challenged the validity of the DNA evidence, unsuccessfully pushed to get theories about possible 'alternate perpetrators' admitted in court, and repeatedly asked the judge to take the death penalty off of the table. But those efforts largely failed, and the evidence against Kohberger was strong. With an August trial looming, Kohberger reached a plea deal. ▶ Read more about the case
Fox News
10-07-2025
- Fox News
Idaho judge urged to remove gag order on Kohberger case following quadruple murder plea
A group of media outlets large and small has asked an Idaho judge to lift the gag order surrounding the Bryan Kohberger case, now that he has pleaded guilty and there is no investigation to protect. At a change of plea hearing last week, prosecutors asked to have the gag, officially called a "non-dissemination order," remain in place until Kohberger's official sentencing on July 23. Kohberger's defense did not object, and Judge Steven Hippler granted the request. Then-Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall put the gag order in place days after Kohberger's arrest at his parents' house on Dec. 30, 2022. The stated aim was to protect Kohberger's right to a fair trial by limiting extrajudicial information available to the potential jury pool. Much of the case proceeded behind closed doors until Hippler became the third judge to preside over the case following a change of venue that moved it from Latah County to Ada County. Still, there are many questions that remain unanswered, and under the order, lawyers, investigators and other witnesses have been blocked from discussing details that haven't already surfaced in the courtroom. And the terms of the plea deal did not require Kohberger to explain his actions. Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson hasn't held a news briefing since before Kohberger's extradition to Idaho in January 2023. The defense never has. But now that Kohberger has admitted to the murders, there is no risk to his right to a fair trial, according to the motion. There won't be a trial at all. "The Nondissemination Order, and its infringement on the First Amendment rights of the media, is no longer justifiable and should be vacated immediately," the motion continues. The media coalition includes FOX News, The Associated Press, other major outlets and a number of smaller Idaho publications – including The Argonaut, the student paper at the University of Idaho, where the victims were killed. Kohberger last week admitted to four first-degree murders – killing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. He told the court, with his parents looking on, that he entered their house, which has since been demolished, around 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022, with the intent to kill. The guilty plea will spare him from the potential death penalty. He is expected to receive four consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus another 10 years. And he forfeited his right to appeal and to seek a sentence reduction.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Bryan Kohberger's doting parents listen in silence to evil confession in front of the families he's ripped apart
's doting parents cut lonely figures inside a courtroom as their only son finally confessed to slaughtering four University of Idaho students in a random stabbing spree that sent shockwaves all across the nation. For more than two-and-a-half years, the 30-year-old criminology PhD student had claimed his innocence and his defense team had used every legal avenue possible to fight the case and save him from death row. Now finally, inside Ada County Courthouse Wednesday morning, Kohberger admitted to the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin to save his own life. In the plea deal - that has divided the families of the victims - Kohberger coldly and matter-of-factly answered guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, sending him to a lifetime behind bars rather than death row. While their only son showed no emotion or remorse for his actions, his parents' Michael and MaryAnn Kohberger appeared stricken. The Pennsylvania natives sat close to their son in the courtroom, separated across the other side of the courtroom from the sobbing families of his victims - some of whom have vehemently opposed the plea deal. Michael appeared somewhat teary and placed a caring arm around his wife at one point as they heard in detail how their child had meticulously planned and executed the murders. At another point, Michael asked a court officer for some water. Their son didn't seem to look at or acknowledge his parents in the courtroom - instead staring expressionless at the prosecutor and judge as they laid out his heinous crimes and the fate that awaits him. While his parents offered a show of support to their son, Kohberger's two older sisters Amanda and Melissa appeared to be notably absent. Both of his sisters lost their jobs following their brothers' arrest. And, one of his sisters reportedly had 'suspicions' that their sibling could have been involved in the murders when he returned home for the holidays in December 2022, NBC's Dateline reported in May 2023. The sister reportedly pointed out Kohberger's proximity to the scene of the murders in Moscow on November 13, 2022 - and had searched his car for clues. The vehicle - a white Hyundai Elantra - was the focus of a nationwide search at the time, after the killer was seen speeding away from the scene of the murders in the car. Had the case proceeded to trial, prosecutors also intended to call some of Kohberger's immediate family members to testify against him. The family has remained largely silent in the more than two years since his arrest and have not been seen at his other court appearances in Idaho. Kohberger's dad and mom MaryAnn was last seen in court at her son's extradition hearing in early January 2023 On Tuesday, an attorney for the family confirmed that some of the members would be attending the hearing and asked for 'privacy, respect, and responsible judgment.' 'In light of recent developments, the Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgment during this time. We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties and will not release any comments or take any questions,' the statement read. 'We ask that you respect our wishes during a difficult time for all those affected.' The jarring statement marks only the second time the family has ever spoken out since his arrest. Prior to this, the only public comments ever made by the family was a statement released immediately after his arrest where they said they 'care deeply for the four families who have lost their precious children', that they were cooperating fully with the investigation and that 'as a family we will love and support our son and brother.' While Kohberger's defense insisted in recent court hearings that the family still 'loves him and supports him,' the sisters' apparent absence Wednesday could point to a potential rift. The case has taken its toll on Kohberger's family, a worker inside the gated community in Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania, that they call home told Daily Mail on Monday - just hours before the plea deal was announced. The man, who did not want to be named, said the parents were 'suffering' and that it had visibly impacted Michael's health. 'He just wants to know the truth,' the man told Daily Mail. There was no answer at the Kohbergers' home that afternoon. It is unclear if they had already set off for Boise - or when exactly their son told them he was responsible for the murders, and was changing his plea. The home in the gated community in the heart of the Poconos is the same site from which their son was taken into custody back on November 30, 2022, and charged with the murders. The criminology PhD student had moved across the country to attend Washington State University in June 2022. Five months later, he broke into the off-campus student home at 1122 King Road in Moscow and murdered the four victims. After planning his attack - buying a KaBar knife months before as the murder weapon - Kohberger entered the home through the back sliding door on the second floor. He went straight up to Mogen's room where he found Mogen and her best friend Goncalves sleeping in the same bed. He stabbed both of them to death. On his way back downstairs or on leaving the property, he encountered Kernodle, who was still awake and had just received a DoorDash order. The killer gave one word answers and offered no emotion or remorse in the hearing He fatally attacked her with the knife and then also murdered her sleeping boyfriend Chapin. On his way out of the home, Kohberger passed one of the two surviving roommates. Prosecutor Bill Thompson choked back tears in court Wednesday as he detailed the victims' final moments. He told the court that Kohberger intended to kill when he entered the home that night but may have not planned to kill as many people as he did. 'We will not represent that he intended to commit all of the murders that he did that night, but we know that that is what resulted,' he said. Kohberger stared down the prosecutor without even a glimmer of emotion when faced with his brutal crimes. To this day, there is no known connection between Kohberger and the victims - and the motive remains a mystery. While the victims' families were left devastated by the chilling murders - and the community of Moscow reeled - Kohberger finished out his semester at WSU and meticulously scrubbed his apartment in Pullman and his car clean of evidence. In mid-December 2022, Kohberger's father Michael then flew out to meet his son in Washington and they drove back to the family home together in the same Hyundai Elantra that the killer had used in the commission of his crime. On the journey, the father and son duo were pulled over by cops twice for traffic stops, with bodycam footage capturing a bewildered, friendly Michael - and suspicious-looking Kohberger. Ultimately, it was Michael's own DNA that helped lead to his son's downfall. Through Investigative Genetic Genealogy, the FBI managed to trace DNA found on a brown leather KaBar knife sheath left behind at the scene of the murders to Kohberger. Officers posing as sanitation workers then collected trash from the Kohberger's family home. A cue tip came back a match for the father of the killer. Five days after Christmas, the Kohberger home was raided and he was taken into custody. At his arraignment, Kohberger refused to speak - and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. For the last two-and-a-half years, his attorneys tried to claim he was out driving looking at the moon and stars that night. The defense also tried repeatedly to get the death penalty struck from the case - citing his recent autism diagnosis. Last week, an 11th-hour bid to delay the trial and present evidence of four alternate suspects was denied, paving the way for the trial to finally get underway in August. But, in a bombshell move, the defense and prosecution reached a plea deal this week. Some of the victims' families are outraged at the deal with the father of Goncalves refusing to attend Wednesday's hearing in protest. Kernodle's aunt Kim Kernodle similarly told TMZ that the family had vehemently opposed the deal when it was suggested by prosecutors - and voiced her confusion given the state had previously told them they had enough for a conviction. On the other hand, family members of Chapin and Mogen have voiced their support for the deal that would put Kohberger behind bars for life. Outside court following the hearing, an attorney representing Mogen's mom Karen Laramie and stepdad Scott Laramie said they backed the deal '100 per cent.' 'We now embark on a new path. We turn from tragedy and mourning,' Leander James told reporters. 'We turn from darkness and uncertainty of the legal process to the light of the future. We have closure. We embark on a path of hope and healing. We invite all of those who have mourned with us to join us, and we wish you well.' Kohberger will return to court for his sentencing hearing on July 23. The families of the victims will be given the opportunity to deliver impact statements and Kohberger could also speak.
Washington Post
02-07-2025
- Washington Post
Bryan Kohberger, Idaho murder suspect, to plead guilty in deal to avoid death penalty
Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, is expected to plead guilty Wednesday as part of a deal with prosecutors to remove the possibility of the death penalty. By converting his plea to guilty in an Ada County, Idaho, courthouse, Kohberger would forgo what was anticipated to be a closely watched criminal trial scheduled to last three months. Instead, he will move straight to sentencing, speeding the conclusion of a case that became a fixation for true-crime watchers — sometimes with devastating results for peripheral figures caught up in the obsession.
