The family of Kaylee Goncalves is trying to return the $85,000 in donations they received for trial-related expenses, following the shocking plea deal involving Bryan Kohberger.
The GoFundMe campaign, set up to support the family’s travel to the trial, closed before Kohberger’s plea deal was announced, leaving the Goncalves family with the challenge of managing the funds.
Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, expressed his frustration with the deal, telling TMZ that he refuses to “bait and switch” those who contributed, a reference to the controversial actions of lead prosecutor Bill Thompson. The plea deal, which spares Kohberger from the death penalty, has sparked outrage among the families of the victims, who feel that justice was not served. The deal ensures Kohberger will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Despite the challenge of returning the funds, many supporters have told the Goncalves family to keep the money. They are also angry about the plea deal, which they feel undermines the victims’ families and the pursuit of justice. However, Steve Goncalves maintains that they want to be transparent with the public and return the money, which was initially raised with the hope of attending the trial.
The July 23 sentencing hearing, where the family had hoped to give their victim impact statements, now conflicts with their plans to drop another daughter off at Baylor University. Steve has requested a delay in the hearing but remains doubtful that the request will be granted, as past requests have been ignored.
The family’s continued struggle with the justice process underscores the emotional toll the legal proceedings have taken on them.
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