Bryan Kohberger was sentenced on Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students.
The murder victims — Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin — were found stabbed to death in their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. Prosecutors laid out key DNA evidence, surveillance footage and cellphone records that linked Kohberger to the killings.
Kohberger, 30, was expected to go through a lengthy and highly publicized trial in August. But in a surprise turn, he pleaded guilty on July 2 as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.
Judge Steven Hippler sentenced Kohberger to four consecutive life sentences, plus 10 years for a charge of burglary, in addition to fines totaling $270,000.
“This unfathomable and senseless act of evil has caused immeasurable pain and loss,” Hippler said. “Parents who took their children to college in a truck filled with moving boxes had to bring them home in hearses lined with coffins.”
Before his sentence was handed down, friends and family members of the victims were given the opportunity to address Kohberger directly, delivering more than two hours of impact statements that were emotional and often marked by anger.
“I will call you what you are. Sociopath. Psychopath. Murderer,” Alivea Goncalves, Kaylee’s sister told Kohberger, who sat expressionless at the defense table. “You didn’t win, you just exposed yourself as the coward you are. You’re a delusional, pathetic, hypochondriac loser.”
“You’re gonna go to hell,” Xana Kernodle’s stepfather Randy Davis told Kohberger in court. “You’re evil. You are going to suffer.”
Kohberger declined to speak at the hearing.
Follow the live blog below for the latest updates on what’s happening in court from our own reporting, as well as various reporters and news organizations, including CNN, NewsNation, NBC News and the Associated Press.
Live38 updates
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 2:34 AM GMT+8
- Before Judge Steven Hippler sentenced Kohberger, he asked: “Mr. Kohberger, you have an opportunity to make a statement if you wish to. I take it you are declining?”
- Kohberger leaned forward in his chair to say just three audible words to the court during his sentencing: “I respectfully decline.”
- He then leaned back in his chair, appearing emotionless.
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 2:17 AM GMT+8
- After the sentencing of Kohberger, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt offered the following message during today’s briefing to the victims’ families as a sign of support:
We are so sorry for the grief and the pain you have experienced at the hands of such a vicious and evil killer. Our nation grieves with you, and we will never forget the precious souls who were lost in this horrific act of evil. If it were up to the president, he would’ve forced this monster to publicly explain why he chose to steal these innocent souls. May God bless and watch over everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy, especially the parents who lost their children.
- President Trump had previously written in a social media post that he hoped 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.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 2:03 AM GMT+8
- Bryan Kohberger. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- Judge Steven Hippler appeared emotional before he sentenced Kohberger and addressed what is still not known: his motive.
- “What we don’t know and what we may never know is why,” Hippler said. “I share the desire expressed by others to understand the why. But upon reflection, it seems to me, and this is just my own opinion, that by continuing to focus on why, we continue to give Mr. Kohberger relevance.”
- Hippler said even if he could make Kohberger speak about his motive, which he cannot legally do, “How could I be assured that what he speaks is the truth?”
- “There is no reason for these crimes that could approach anything resembling rationality.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:44 AM GMT+8
- Judge Steven Hippler. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- Judge Steven Hippler delivered emotional remarks before he sentenced Kohberger to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
- “This unfathomable and senseless act of evil has caused immeasurable pain and loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child. This is the greatest tragedy that can be inflicted upon a person,” he said.
- “Parents who took their children to college in a truck filled with moving boxes had to bring them home in hearses lined with coffins,” Hippler added.
- “In my view, it is time to end Mr. Kohberger’s 15 minutes of fame,” the judge said. “His actions have made him the worst of the worst. Even in pleading guilty, he has given nothing in the hinting of remorse or redemption. Nothing suggesting even a recognition or understanding, let alone regret for the pain he has caused.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:40 AM GMT+8
- Judge Steven Hippler speaks. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- Judge Steven Hippler imposed the following sentence on Bryan Kohberger:
- Count 1 — Burglary: 10 years, fine of $50,000
- Count 2 — First-degree murder of Madison Mogen: Life in prison without parole, fine of $50,000, civil penalty of $5,000 to the family
- Count 3 — First-degree murder of Kaylee Goncalves: Life in prison without parole, fine of $50,000, civil penalty of $5,000 to the family
- Count 4 — First-degree murder of Xana Kernodle: Life in prison without parole, fine of $50,000, civil penalty of $5,000 to the family
- Count 5 — First-degree murder of Ethan Chapin: Life in prison without parole, fine of $50,000, civil penalty of $5,000 to the family
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:31 AM GMT+8
- Judge Steven Hippler asked Kohberger if he wanted to make a statement to the courtroom following emotional victim impact statements.
- He replied: “I respectfully decline.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:27 AM GMT+8
- Prosectutor Bill Thompson. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- After the impact statements concluded, prosecutor Bill Thompson addressed the court, explaining why the state struck a plea deal with Kohberger instead of going to trial.
- Thompson said that by pleading guilty and waiving his right to appeal, the state would likely avoid “decades” of court proceedings in the case.
- “Not everybody agreed with the decision we made,” he said, acknowledging some disagreements among the families. “I accept that.”
- “It is time for the judicial system to impose final judgment and close the chapter on these tragedies,” Thompson said, becoming emotional the longer he spoke.
- “We can’t undo and we can never undo the horror that occurred,” he added. “From today forward, our memories should be focused on these innocent victims whose lives were taken, on their families, on their friends, on the community.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:19 AM GMT+8
- Victim impact statements have concluded for the sentencing hearing. The court heard from the families of three of the four victims: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle.
- The family of Ethan Chapin did not attend the hearing.
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:17 AM GMT+8
- Cara Northington, mother of victim Xana Kernodle. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- Cara Northington, Xana Kernodle’s mom, said in her statement to Kohberger that she forgives him.
- “Jesus has allowed me to forgive you for murdering my daughter without you even being sorry or asking for this,” she said.
- “This forgiveness has released me from any and all evil you have inflicted on my family … I am washing my hands of you and turning you over to my lord and savior Jesus Christ whom vengeance belongs to.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:14 AM GMT+8
- Unlike some of the other relatives of the victims, Xana Kernodle’s stepfather, Randy Davis, did not speak directly to Kohberger, at least not at first.
- “This is probably the last time we’re all gonna be in the same room together,” he said, turning to the people in the courtroom. “I love you all, and I feel your pain. And just, God bless us all.”
- Davis said he had prepared remarks but decided against using them because he’d probably “get kicked out” of court.
- After sharing a brief anecdote with the gallery, Davis turned to address Kohberger.
- “I don’t know what my limits are here, but I’m really struggling, dude,” Davis said.
- He told Kohberger he would like to have “five minutes out in the woods” with him.
- “You’re gonna go to hell,” Davis said. “I know people believe in other stuff, but you’re evil.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 1:02 AM GMT+8
- Jeff Kernodle. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- Xana Kernodle’s dad, Jeff, shared a moment on the flight to Idaho to attend the sentencing hearing when a little girl was calling out for her dad. He said he heard Xana calling out for him, just like she did when she was 5 years old.
- “I miss Xana a lot. My life has been changed.”
- Xana’s dad later said he was just miles away on Nov. 13, 2022, and that he was going to go over to the house in Moscow because Xana wasn’t feeling well. He didn’t go because he didn’t want to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. He regrets not going. “They would have had a chance, all four of them.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:57 AM GMT+8
- Xana Kernodle via Instagram
- Jazzmin Kernodle, Xana Kernodle’s older sister, said she wasn’t sure she was going to speak at Kohberger’s sentencing hearing.
- “But in the end, I realized this moment isn’t about you,” she said. “It’s about justice for Xana, Ethan, Kaylee and Maddie. It’s about honoring the beautiful people they were.”
- Jazzmin said that on the night of the killings, “a piece of my heart was ripped away.”
- “Although I’m her older sister, I often found myself looking up to her,” she said. “She had a radiant energy that everyone loved.”
- “There’s no way to ever fully describe the weight of losing my sister and my best friend,” Jazzmin told the court. “No sentence or punishment will ever come close to the justice Xana, Ethan, Kaylee and Maddie deserve.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:45 AM GMT+8
- The families of Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle have been angry with prosecutors over Kohberger’s plea deal — and they made it clear during their victim impact statements in court on Wednesday.
- Following Kohberger’s guilty plea, a statement from the Goncalves family read: “This plea did not represent the victims families it represented an easy way out and no answers. Everyone loves the justice system until you get involved in it. Then you really see that most of the time the cases and resolutions have nothing to do with the victims. At least that was our experience. We will move on to sentencing and will be hopeful that the Court will allow for some much needed grace moving forward and finally the family won’t have to deal with the bumbling Latah County prosecution team.”
- Jeff Kernodle, Xana’s father, said in a statement on July 2, “I had hoped the agreement would include conditions that required the defendant to explain his actions and provide answers to the many questions that still remain, especially where evidence is missing or unclear.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:34 AM GMT+8
- The courtroom is breaking for 10 minutes.
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:34 AM GMT+8
- Steve Goncalves consoles Kristi Goncalves, mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves while she speaks at the sentencing hearing. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- Kaylee Goncalves’s mom, Kristi, spoke directly to Kohberger in her victim impact statement.
- “This isn’t about you. It’s about what you’ve done to me, and I need you to hear it,” she said. “When you murdered my daughter, Kaylee J. Goncalves, you didn’t just take her life, you shattered others.
- “I live with a constant ache, with birthdays that are now memorials, with holidays that feel hollow, with empty chairs that scream louder than words ever could. I am forever changed.”
- Goncalves referenced Idaho’s death by firing squad method, which is set to become the state’s primary form of execution next year.
- “While I’m disappointed the firing squad won’t get to take their shots at you, I’m confident that the men in prison will have their way with you in more ways than one.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:33 AM GMT+8
- Steve Goncalves, father of victim Kaylee Goncalves hugs his daughter Alinea after speaking at the sentencing hearing. (Kyle Green/Pool via AP)
- Kaylee Goncalves’s sister, Alivea Goncalves, continued to address Kohberger directly.
- “Sit up straight while I talk to you,” she said, before running through a list of questions she had for him.
- “How was your life right before you murdered my sisters? Did you prepare for the crime before leaving your apartment? Please detail what you were thinking and feeling at the time,” she said. “Why did you choose my sisters? Before making your move, did you approach my sisters? Do you tell what you were thinking and feeling before leaving the home? Is there anything else you did?”
- Alivea Goncalves then berated her sister’s killer.
- “If you were really smart, do you think you’d be here right now?” she said. “You didn’t win, you just exposed yourself as the coward you are. You’re a delusional, pathetic, hypochondriac loser.”
- “If you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep in the middle of the night like a pedophile, Kaylee would have kicked your f***ing ass,” she said to applause as she concluded her remarks.
- NewsNation reporter Brian Entin wrote on X that Alivea Goncalves said Kohberger was “clenching his jaw” and “seemed like he was forgetting to blink” while she spoke to him.
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:18 AM GMT+8
- Kaylee Goncalves via Instagram
- Kaylee Goncalves’s older sister, Alivea, spoke directly to Bryan Kohberger in her statement, which she began by saying:
- “I’m not here to speak in grief. I’m here to speak in truth. Because the truth is my sister Kaylee and her best friend Maddie were not yours to take,” Goncalves said while she looked at Kohberger.
- “They were not yours to study, to stalk or to silence.”
- “Disappointments like you thrive on pain. I won’t feed your beast. Instead, I will call you what you are. Sociopath. Psychopath. Murderer.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:15 AM GMT+8
- Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, addressed Kohberger directly.
- “Today, we are here to finish what you started,” he said. “Today, you’ve lost control. Today, we are here to prove to the world that you picked the wrong families.
- “You tried to break our community apart. You tried to plant fear. You tried to divide us. You failed,” Goncalves continued. “Instead your actions have united everyone in their disgust for you.
- “Today you have no name,” Goncalves said. Kohberger remained expressionless as Goncalves spoke.
- He mocked Kohberger for leaving evidence, including DNA, behind, which helped lead to his arrest.
- “Master’s degree? You’re a joke,” Goncalves said. “A complete joke.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:04 AM GMT+8
- Ben Mogen, Madison Mogen’s father, started off his statement by acknowledging that not all of the victims’ families agree with Kohberger’s plea deal.
- “I know it’s not the resolution that everyone wanted, but I think that everyone worked so hard and we appreciate all their efforts. It was such a hard thing to go through for everybody,” Mogen said.
- “Maddie was my only child that I ever had. She was the only great thing I ever really did and the only thing I was really ever proud of,” he said.
- Mogen said his daughter encouraged him to do his best and live on, saying he went through a lot of issues with addiction. “When I didn’t want to live anymore, she is what kept me here.”
- Thu, July 24, 2025 at 12:01 AM GMT+8
- Kim Cheeley, Madison Mogen’s paternal grandmother, offered bittersweet memories of her first grandchild.
- Cheeley said that she was first known as Nana to Maddie. But when Maddie was a year and a half old, she decided to call her grandmother Deedle Beetle, which just happened to be the phrase the child used for bananas.
- When Maddie was 6, the nickname was shortened to Deedle, Cheeley said.
- “I was Deedle all of her life. I don’t think her stepdad, Scottie, ever knew my given name was Kim,” Cheeley said, drawing laughter in a rare moment of levity during the hearing.
- Cheeley later described the anxiety she initially experienced in the aftermath of Maddie’s murder.
- “The fear was truly debilitating,” she told the court.
