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Bryan Kohberger has been sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. The sentencing took place in Boise on July 23, capping nearly three years of public speculation, grief, and courtroom proceedings.
The victims, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022. Kohberger, 30, was arrested six weeks later at his family's home in Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders as part of a plea deal that spared him the death penalty. In exchange, he accepted four life sentences and an additional 10 years for burglary.
"This was the worst day of my life, and I know it always will be," wrote surviving roommate Bethany Funke in a statement read aloud by a friend. Dylan Mortensen, another survivor, added tearfully: "I was barely 19 when he did this. I should have been figuring out who I was."
Judge Steven Hippler called Kohberger a "faceless coward" and added, "There is no reason for these crimes that could approach anything resembling rationality." He noted Kohberger showed no remorse and offered no explanation in court.
Family members gave emotional accounts. Ben Mogen, father of Madison, said, "Maddie was my only child... the only great thing I ever did." Kaylee Goncalves' sister, Alivea, received an ovation after declaring, "If you hadn't attacked them in their sleep, Kaylee would have kicked your f—ing ass."
Kohberger will be transferred to the Idaho Department of Corrections. Officials confirmed he will undergo diagnostic evaluation before being place, likely in the state's maximum-security facility.
He was also ordered to pay $50,000 for each murder charge and $5,000 in civil penalties to each victim's family. "The time has now come," said Judge Hippler, "to end Mr. Kohberger's 15 minutes of fame."
