Bryan Kohberger declines to settle the latest victims’ compensation claim, with lawyers stating that GoFundMe contributions to the families were sufficient.

Koberger’s Lawyer Seeks Relief from Restitution Costs

Brian Koberger’s attorney has requested that a judge exempt the convicted murderer from paying significant restitution to the families of two college students he murdered, suggesting that the families have sufficient funds from GoFundMe campaigns already.

Koberger, 30, faces a restitution order of about $290,000 after admitting to the brutal killings of Kaylee Gonsalves, 21, and Madison Morgen, 21, along with Zana Karnodol and Ethan Chapin, both 20, at his off-campus residence.

Prosecutors have also demanded additional restitution from Koberger, specifically over $20,400 from Gonsalves’ parents and around $7,000 from Morgen’s mother, Karen Laramie, for travel expenses related to court proceedings, as per court documents.

In a recent court filing, Koberger’s legal team criticized the demand for more funds. They argued that the requested additional amounts do not align with economic loss under Idaho law, pointing out that the families have already benefited from substantial GoFundMe contributions intended to cover specific expenses.

The attorneys highlighted existing funds from several GoFundMe campaigns, including one that gathered $73,493 for both Gonsalves and Morgen. Another initiative supporting Laramie raised $48,815 for travel purposes to Boise for the trial. Yet another campaign for Gonsalves’ family accumulated $85,583.

“Given the specific funds obtained for travel, neither family has experienced the financial loss the state claims, and this request should be denied,” Koberger’s defense stated.

The document also mentioned that Koberger’s family planned to return donations post-verdict, but it remains unclear whether this has been accomplished or if the donors’ funds were returned.

Weeks prior to his trial, Koberger accepted a plea deal that spared him from the death penalty, ultimately receiving multiple life sentences without parole. During the sentencing, many family members of the victims provided emotional testimonies against him.

Following the verdict, Koberger was moved to another facility in Kuna, where he reportedly faced mental distress due to relentless taunting from fellow inmates.