Bryan Kohberger to Plead Guilty in Idaho Student Murders

Bryan Kohberger, the primary suspect in the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students, is expected to change his plea to guilty following a plea deal with prosecutors.

On Monday, Kohberger accepted an agreement that would require prosecutors to withdraw the death penalty. In addition, he will admit to a burglary charge related to the same case and is set to spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance of parole.

The former criminology PhD student, who had initially pleaded not guilty, will officially change his plea at a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

Jury selection was previously scheduled for August 1, with opening statements set for August 18.

Sentencing is now expected to occur in late July, where Kohberger faces four consecutive life sentences for the murder charges and a maximum of 10 years for the burglary charge, based on the plea agreement.

Before finalizing the plea deal, prosecutors consulted with the families of the victims, discussing the potential paths forward and presenting a formal offer to Kohberger.

“This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,” prosecutors mentioned in their communication. “This agreement guarantees that the defendant will be convicted and will spend his life in prison, preventing the families from enduring the prolonged uncertainty of appeals. Your perspectives were crucial in our decision, and we hope you understand why this resolution serves the interest of justice.”

The four victims—Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20—were fatally stabbed in their off-campus residence on November 13, 2022.