Bryan Kohberger sentenced to life in prison for 2022 University of Idaho student murders

Kohberger receives four consecutive life sentences after pleading guilty to killing four University students in 2022.

Bryan Kohberger, the man responsible for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to the killings. He will serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, as part of a plea agreement that spared him the death penalty.

Kohberger, 30, declined to speak during the sentencing in a Boise courtroom, where he faced emotional victim impact statements from grieving family members and surviving roommates. His admission of guilt came just weeks before his trial was set to begin. Prosecutors agreed to remove the death penalty in exchange for Kohberger's guilty plea and his waiver of the right to appeal.

The murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin took place in the early hours of November 13, 2022, at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus in Moscow. The case shocked the small college town, which had not seen a homicide in five years. Kohberger, a criminology graduate student at nearby Washington State University, was arrested six weeks later in Pennsylvania, where he was visiting his family.

Investigators linked Kohberger to the crime using DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene, along with cellphone data and surveillance footage showing his car repeatedly driving near the victims' home. He also reportedly purchased a military-style knife through Amazon prior to the attack.

During sentencing, families and surviving roommates expressed both heartbreak and anger. Some, like Kaylee Goncalves’ father, directly addressed Kohberger with scathing remarks. Others, like Xana Kernodle’s aunt, extended forgiveness while seeking answers.

Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortensen, the two surviving roommates, shared emotional statements detailing the trauma they’ve endured. Mortensen described Kohberger as “a hollow vessel” who chose “destruction.”

The court heard that Kohberger used his knowledge of criminology to cover his tracks, attempting to clean his vehicle and avoid detection. Still, investigators successfully identified him using advanced forensic tools, including genetic genealogy and evidence recovered from his parents' home.

Judge Stephen Hippler approved the plea deal, and Kohberger will remain in prison for life. Efforts to honor the victims continue through foundations and scholarships established in their names.