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Al Arabiya
2 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
What to know about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing hearing for killing four Idaho students
For many University of Idaho students, a shelter-in-place text message from the school was the first indication that something had gone horribly wrong at the rental house near campus on November 13, 2022. Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in the Moscow, Idaho, home on King Road. The killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to the crimes earlier this month and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences, but there are still more questions than answers in the disturbing case. Here are some things to know for Kohberger's sentencing hearing on Wednesday. A plea deal was reached before a trial. Bryan Kohberger, 30, was arrested roughly six weeks after the killings and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He initially exercised his constitutional right to remain silent when asked to enter a plea, so a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson announced early on that he would seek the death penalty if Kohberger was convicted. Investigators said Kohberger's DNA was found on a knife sheath at the home, surveillance video showed a car matching Kohberger's nearby at the time of the killings, and cell phone data showed him near the house multiple times before the attack. Kohberger's defense attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn't be able to find enough unbiased jurors in the rural farming community of Moscow. But they were unsuccessful in their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table, and they weren't able to prevent critical evidence like the DNA from being admitted in trial. Both sides reached a plea deal earlier this month. In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Instead, both sides agreed to recommend that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings. During the plea hearing on July 2, Judge Steven Hippler explained that he doesn't have much leeway when it comes to plea deals like this one. The court can't require a prosecutor to seek the death penalty, and a judge's primary role in plea hearings is to determine if the defendant is making the plea freely, voluntarily, and intelligently. Hippler determined that was the case for Kohberger and accepted his guilty plea. The victims' families were split on how they felt about the plea deal. Kohberger's motive and many other details are unknown. Investigators have not revealed what they think may have motivated Kohberger's actions. At the time of the killings, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, and Thompson has said he 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. The case drew widespread interest, and judges feared the publicity could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed, and hundreds of court documents were sealed from public view. After Kohberger pleaded guilty, Hippler agreed to lift the gag order. The documents will be unsealed after the sentencing hearing, but that will take time. It's not clear how many answers they might contain. Kohberger can speak at sentencing or refuse. The families and surviving roommates of the victims will have the opportunity during the sentencing hearing to describe the damage the killings have done to them. Because there are so many of them, the hearing could stretch into Thursday. Kohberger will also have the opportunity to speak–a process called the right of allocution. Defendants might use their statement to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing. But because the US Constitution's 5th Amendment guarantee of the right to remain silent remains in effect during sentencing hearings, they also might choose not to speak at all. Kohberger doesn't have to say anything–and the judge can't force him to. Many, including President Donald Trump, have urged the judge to somehow make Kohberger explain himself. 'I hope the Judge makes Kohberger at a minimum explain why he did these horrible murders,' Trump wrote online on Monday. 'There are no explanations there is no NOTHING.' 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.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cellphone pings, a Hyundai Elantra and a Q-tip: The evidence that linked Bryan Kohberger to the Idaho murders
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Back in 2022, four University of Idaho students were massacred in an off-campus rental house, which prompted a weeks-long manhunt for a suspected killer and rattled the quiet college town of Moscow, Idaho, that hadn't seen a murder in seven years. The victims — Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20 — were all found stabbed to death in their home at 1122 King Road in Moscow on Nov. 13, 2022. Weeks passed without any significant developments or a suspect. After hundreds of interviews and thousands of tips in search of a suspected killer, authorities homed in on Bryan Kohberger as their suspect. The then-28-year-old was pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice at Washington State University, just across the state border from Moscow. In mid-December 2022, authorities tracked down Kohberger in Pennsylvania, where he was home for the holidays at his parents' house after finishing up his first semester. He was arrested on Dec. 30, 2022, and days later was extradited to Idaho. "The defendant has studied crime," lead prosecutor Bill Thompson said during a July 2 hearing, in which Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing all four students. "In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skillset.' Prosecutors laid out DNA evidence, cellphone records and surveillance footage that tied Kohberger to the killings. Here's a look at the timeline of what happened, the evidence and how authorities tracked him down, according to an evidentiary summary recited by Thompson at the hearing earlier this month. Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Courtesy of the family, Maddie Mogen via Instagram; Kaylee Goncalves via Instagram; Xana Kernodle via Instagram A timeline of what happened on Nov. 13, 2022, according to investigators Just after 4 a.m., Kohberger entered the rental home at 1122 King Road through the kitchen sliding door at the back of the house. Kohberger went up to the third floor, where he killed Mogen and Goncalves with a knife. He left the knife sheath next to Mogen's body. He then worked his way back down through the house and encountered Kernodle, who had received a DoorDash order, also killing her with a knife. Kernodle's boyfriend Chapin was asleep in her bedroom, and Kohberger killed him as well. 'Each victim suffered multiple wounds,' Thompson said. 'There is no evidence that there was any sexual component or sexual assault on any of the victims.' There were two other roommates in the house at the time of the killings who survived: Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke. According to court documents, Mortensen said she woke up to strange noises and crying. She looked outside her bedroom door and saw a figure wearing black clothing and a mask walking toward her. Mortensen froze as the person walked past her and went to a sliding glass door. After that she locked herself in her room. Around 11:58 a.m.: A 911 call was placed to report that Kernodle was unconscious. Moscow Police arrived to discover the four students had been killed. Kohberger's cellphone pinged repeatedly near the murder house July 9, 2022: Kohberger's phone started connecting to a cellphone tower in the area of the 1122 King Road home, where the murders would occur months later. Between July 9 and Nov. 7, 2022: Kohberger's phone connected to that same tower from about 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. about 23 times. The prosecution has said they don't have evidence Kohberger had direct contact with the home or residents during that time — but they know that his phone was in the area at those times. Nov. 13, 2022: Kohberger left his apartment in Pullman, Wash. His phone was turned off at about 2:54 a.m. It remained off until about 4:48 a.m. when his phone came back on, and his phone activity tracked back to his apartment in Pullman. Kohberger's car was seen on surveillance video repeatedly passing the murder house The site of the quadruple murder on Jan. 3, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. () Aug. 22, 2022: Kohberger was pulled over by a Latah County Sheriff's deputy in Idaho for a routine traffic stop. He was driving a 2015 white Hyundai Elantra with a Pennsylvania license plate. Authorities obtained his name, phone number and address. Nov. 13, 2022: Video surveillance from a business on the highway that connects Pullman and Moscow showed a 2015 white Hyundai Elantra entering Moscow around 3:02 a.m. Around 3:30 a.m., surveillance from businesses and residences showed Kohberger's car circling the neighborhood near 1122 King Road. 4:05 a.m.: Kohberger parked his car on the street behind the house. 4:20 a.m.: His car is seen on surveillance tape leaving the area outside 1122 King Road at a high speed. He then drove on rural backroads to avoid highways with surveillance cameras. 5:26 a.m.: Surveillance cameras in Pullman picked up his car heading toward his apartment. 5:30 a.m.: Kohberger arrived back at his apartment in Pullman. Around 9 a.m.: As indicated by cellphone tower pings, his phone returned to the area of King Road, stayed for about 10 minutes and then returned to his apartment in Pullman. Around 9:30 a.m.: Based on evidence taken from his cellphone, he took a selfie giving a thumbs-up in what appears to be his bathroom at his residence. The knife and sheath In March 2022, Kohberger bought a Ka-Bar knife, which is meant for combat, on Amazon using a gift card. Evidence shows he attempted to delete his purchase history from Amazon. The knife sheath was found next to Mogen's body and was sent to the Idaho State Police forensic lab. Single-source male DNA was found on the snap of the sheath, as well as blood from Mogen and Goncalves. The DNA on a Q-tip Before Kohberger's arrest in December 2022, authorities conducted a trash pull at his parent's house in Pennsylvania. They took samples of trash that were set out on the street for collection and sent them to the Idaho State forensics laboratory. Lab experts were able to identify DNA on a Q-tip that came from the father of the person whose DNA was found on the knife sheath that was found at the crime scene next to Mogen's body. After Kohberger was arrested and extradited to Idaho, a DNA sample was taken from him, which matched the DNA from the button on the knife sheath. What's next for Kohberger? Kohberger, 30, was expected to go through a lengthy and highly publicized trial in August. But in a surprise turn of events, Kohberger pleaded guilty on July 2 to murdering the four students as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, where he's expected to receive four consecutive life sentences, plus 10 years for burglary, according to the terms of the deal. He also waived his right to appeal and to challenge the sentence. What we still don't know Authorities never found the murder weapon, nor did they find any usable evidence in Kohberger's sparse apartment or office. When they searched his Hyundai Elantra, they found that it was cleaned so thoroughly that there wasn't anything to discover even in the crevices of the car. The main questions that have gone unanswered still remain: Why did Kohberger kill these four students? Why did he pick the house at 1122 King Road and those victims who were apparent strangers to him? On Monday, President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that he hopes Judge Steven Hippler 'makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders.' 'There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING. People were shocked that he was able to plea bargain, but the Judge should make him explain what happened,' Trump wrote online, adding, 'These were vicious murders, with so many questions left unanswered.' Kohberger's current plea agreement doesn't require him to explain his motive or actions. While he'll have the formal opportunity to speak directly to the court before he is sentenced this week after victim impact statements are read, it's unclear whether he will say anything.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
What to know about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing hearing for killing four Idaho students
For many University of Idaho students, a 'shelter in place' text message from the school was the first indication that something had gone horribly wrong at the rental house near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in the Moscow, Idaho home on King Road. The killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to the crimes earlier this month and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences. But there are still more questions than answers in the disturbing case. Here are some things to know for Kohberger's sentencing hearing on Wednesday. A plea deal was reached before a trial Bryan Kohberger, 30, was arrested roughly six weeks after the killings and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He initially exercised his constitutional right to remain silent when asked to enter a plea, so a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson announced early on that he would seek the death penalty if Kohberger was convicted. Investigators said Kohberger's DNA was found on a knife sheath at the home, surveillance video showed a car matching Kohberger's nearby at the time of the killings, and cell phone data showed him near the house multiple times before the attack. Kohberger's defense attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn't be able to find enough unbiased jurors in the rural farming community of Moscow. But they were unsuccessful in their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table, and they weren't able to prevent critical evidence like the DNA from being admitted in trial. Both sides reached a plea deal earlier this month. In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Instead, both sides agreed to recommend that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings. During the plea hearing on July 2, Judge Steven Hippler explained that he doesn't have much leeway when it comes to plea deals like this one. The court can't require a prosecutor to seek the death penalty, and a judge's primary role in plea hearings is to determine if the defendant is making the plea freely, voluntarily and intelligently. Hippler determined that was the case for Kohberger, and accepted his guilty plea. The victim's families were split on how they felt about the plea deal. Kohberger's motive and many other details are unknown Investigators have not revealed what they think may have motivated Kohberger's actions. At the time of the killings, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, and Thompson has said he 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. The case drew widespread interest and judges feared the publicity could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed and hundreds of court documents were sealed from public view. After Kohberger pleaded guilty, Hippler agreed to lift the gag order. The documents will be unsealed after the sentencing hearing but that will take time. It's not clear how many answers they might contain. Kohberger can speak at sentencing or refuse The families and surviving roommates of the victims will have the opportunity during the sentencing hearing to describe the damage the killings have done to them. Because there are so many of them, the hearing could stretch into Thursday. Kohberger will also have the opportunity to speak — a process called the 'right of allocution.' Defendants might use their statement to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing. But because the U.S. Constitution's 5th Amendment guarantee of the right to remain silent remains in effect during sentencing hearings, they also might choose not to speak at all. Kohberger doesn't have to say anything — and the judge can't force him to. Many, including President Donald Trump, have urged the judge to somehow make Kohberger explain himself. 'I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders,' Trump wrote online on Monday. 'There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING.' 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.
Associated Press
3 hours ago
- Associated Press
What to know about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing hearing for killing four Idaho students
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — For many University of Idaho students, a 'shelter in place' text message from the school was the first indication that something had gone horribly wrong at the rental house near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in the Moscow, Idaho home on King Road. The killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to the crimes earlier this month and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences. But there are still more questions than answers in the disturbing case. Here are some things to know for Kohberger's sentencing hearing on Wednesday. A plea deal was reached before a trial Bryan Kohberger, 30, was arrested roughly six weeks after the killings and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He initially exercised his constitutional right to remain silent when asked to enter a plea, so a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson announced early on that he would seek the death penalty if Kohberger was convicted. Investigators said Kohberger's DNA was found on a knife sheath at the home, surveillance video showed a car matching Kohberger's nearby at the time of the killings, and cell phone data showed him near the house multiple times before the attack. Kohberger's defense attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn't be able to find enough unbiased jurors in the rural farming community of Moscow. But they were unsuccessful in their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table, and they weren't able to prevent critical evidence like the DNA from being admitted in trial. Both sides reached a plea deal earlier this month. In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Instead, both sides agreed to recommend that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings. During the plea hearing on July 2, Judge Steven Hippler explained that he doesn't have much leeway when it comes to plea deals like this one. The court can't require a prosecutor to seek the death penalty, and a judge's primary role in plea hearings is to determine if the defendant is making the plea freely, voluntarily and intelligently. Hippler determined that was the case for Kohberger, and accepted his guilty plea. The victim's families were split on how they felt about the plea deal. Kohberger's motive and many other details are unknown Investigators have not revealed what they think may have motivated Kohberger's actions. At the time of the killings, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, and Thompson has said he 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. The case drew widespread interest and judges feared the publicity could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed and hundreds of court documents were sealed from public view. After Kohberger pleaded guilty, Hippler agreed to lift the gag order. The documents will be unsealed after the sentencing hearing but that will take time. It's not clear how many answers they might contain. Kohberger can speak at sentencing or refuse The families and surviving roommates of the victims will have the opportunity during the sentencing hearing to describe the damage the killings have done to them. Because there are so many of them, the hearing could stretch into Thursday. Kohberger will also have the opportunity to speak — a process called the 'right of allocution.' Defendants might use their statement to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing. But because the U.S. Constitution's 5th Amendment guarantee of the right to remain silent remains in effect during sentencing hearings, they also might choose not to speak at all. Kohberger doesn't have to say anything — and the judge can't force him to. Many, including President Donald Trump, have urged the judge to somehow make Kohberger explain himself. 'I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders,' Trump wrote online on Monday. 'There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING.' Foundations honor Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and EthanFriends 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.
Washington Post
3 hours ago
- Washington Post
What to know about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing hearing for killing four Idaho students
BOISE, Idaho — For many University of Idaho students, a 'shelter in place' text message from the school was the first indication that something had gone horribly wrong at the rental house near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in the Moscow, Idaho home on King Road. The killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to the crimes earlier this month and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences.
