Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murder in the stabbing deaths of four Idaho college students as part of a plea deal from prosecutors, who agreed to remove the death penalty as a possible sentence.
Kohberger, 30, is accused of killing Kaylee Gonclaves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. The four were found stabbed to death in their rental house close to the University of Idaho campus in November 2022. Kohberger was arrested in December 2022 in Pennsylvania as the town of Moscow, near the University of Idaho’s campus, remained on edge for weeks as a suspect was sought.
Here’s everything we know up until now.
What was Bryan Kohberger plea deal?
Bryan Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in connection with the 2022 killings, according to ABC News, citing a letter sent to victims’ family members informing them of the plea deal. The plea agreement has since been reported by several news outlets, including USA TODAY.
Prosecutors have agreed to a sentence of four consecutive life sentences on the murder counts and 10 years, the maximum, on the burglary count. However, it’s important to know it’ll be at the judge’s discretion what the sentence will be. He has waived his right to appeal and will not be eligible for parole.
Bryan Kohberger plea deal July 2
Bryan Kohberger is expected to appear at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday, July 2 at 11 a.m. local time (1 p.m. EDT) for the plea hearing.
When is Bryan Kohberger sentencing?
Bryan Kohberger’s sentencing is expected to take place in late July if a guilty plea is entered as planned on July 2. His murder trial was expected to begin on Aug. 18.
Where is Bryan Kohberger being held?
Bryan Kohberger is being held in the maximum-security section of the Ada County Jail in Boise, Idaho.
What was Bryan Kohberger defense?
The defense team had previously tried but failed to have the death penalty stricken as a possible punishment and had argued that Bryan Kohberger’s autism diagnosis made him less culpable. Kohberger had kept silent during his May 2023 arraignment when the judge asked for his plea. According to CNN, Kohberger’s lawyers tried but a judge rejected their attempt at presenting an “alternate perpetrator” theory, suggesting one of four other people committed the murders.
What was Bryan Kohberger motive?
No motive has emerged for the killings, nor has it been made clear why the attacker spared two other roommates who were home at the time of the killings. Kohberger’s lawyers have said he was on a “long drive” during the time of the killing.
Why did Byran Kohberger plead guilty?
Prosecutors say Bryan Kohberger’s defense attorneys approached them seeking a plea deal, according to ABC News.
Prosecutors said the resolution was an “attempt” to seek justice for the family. Often in criminal cases, prosecutors try to avoid lengthy trials to avoid what could be months of difficult testimony and decades of post-conviction appeals and more. The plea deal, if accepted, would send Kohberger to prison for life, without the possibility of being released on parole.
When was the Idaho college murders?
Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Gonclaves, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle were found stabbed to death in their rental house close to the University of Idaho campus, in Moscow, on Nov. 13, 2022.
How did Byran Kohberger know the victims?
Bryan Kohberger’s defense attorneys said in a court filing that there is no connection between Kohberger and the victims, according to CBS News. However, Steve and Kristi Gonclaves, the parents of Kaylee Gonclaves, told the outlet for “48 Hours” they had proof Kohberger was “following” Gonclaves and Maddie Mogen on Instagram.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Idaho College murders: Why did Kohberger do it? What we know, motive