Bryan Kohberger Seeks Post-Conviction Relief

Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the murder of four University of Idaho students during a home invasion in November 2022, has filed for post-conviction relief. This unexpected move revives a case that had seemed resolved just a year ago.

According to a report from The New York Times, Kohberger, who has remained silent since his arrest, reached out to the publication to assert his “absolute claim of innocence.” He alleges that he was misled into confessing to the widely publicized murders.

Currently serving four consecutive life sentences, he stated that “justice has not been served” and emphasized that the public “deserves the truth.”

“My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn,” he said in a statement.

Kohberger accepted a plea deal last summer, which included waiving his right to appeal and agreeing to a life sentence without the possibility of parole, while avoiding a potential death penalty. Idaho has a method of execution by firing squad, allowing multiple shooters to fire at the condemned person simultaneously.

Families of the four victims—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—have mostly refrained from making comments about this latest development. Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, mentioned that his family needs time to review the court documents before making public statements.

When the plea deal was first made public last July, Goncalves expressed frustration, saying, “He hunted and killed these kids, and the state rewarded him.”

Records indicate that Kohberger’s official filing was submitted to the court on Monday morning.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.