The mother of Ethan Chapin, a University of Idaho student who was murdered, expressed her belief that “the outcome is correct” now that Brian Coberger, the convicted killer, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murders of her son and three other classmates.
Stacey Chapin shared her sorrowful thoughts in an emotional message about her son, choosing to refrain from attending Coberger’s sentencing at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho last week.
In her Instagram post, she mentioned that they had put considerable thought into their message since the incident on July 23, revising it many times. She reflected on the overwhelming situation, stating, “It was a difficult drug to swallow, but at the end of the day, I believe the outcome is correct.”
Coberger was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to killing four friends in Moscow on November 13, 2022.
Stacey, who posted numerous pictures of Ethan with his brothers, spoke fondly of her son. “You were with us for only 20 years, but you touched so many lives,” she wrote. “From the time you were a baby, you were the joy and glue that held our families together. We remember your smile, your laughter, and how you brought happiness and light into every situation.”
Despite not attending the sentencing, Stacey expressed gratitude towards the investigators, prosecutors, university staff, and loved ones for their ongoing support since the tragic murders.
Interestingly, while most of the other families of the victims were present, the Chapin family decided not to witness Coberger’s sentencing.
Ethan’s parents have reported feeling a sense of “massive closure” following the plea agreement, which spared them from a lengthy trial. “I really don’t care what happens to him now. He’s off the street, and he can’t hurt anyone else,” Jim Chapin said before the sentencing.
They noted that the judicial outcome saved their surviving children from having to testify and the possibility of reliving traumatic events in court.
As time moves forward, they expressed their hopes for their children to heal, recognizing that almost two and a half years have passed since the tragic event.
Ethan’s girlfriend’s mother also found a sense of peace through the plea bargain, acknowledging that although questions remain unanswered, “God is protecting us from further suffering and trauma.”
While the Chapin family feels satisfied with the verdict, families of the other victims expressed their concerns that the plea deal undermined justice.
During the sentencing hearing, Coberger faced a harsh victim impact statement from Alivea Goncalves, who called him a “pedophile” and criticized his demeanor. In a direct confrontation, she stated, “If you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep like a coward, then Kaylee would have kicked your ass,” glaring at him in the courtroom.
Kernodle’s mother, Cara Northington, also delivered a victim impact statement, addressing Coberger directly, saying, “Jesus forgives you for killing my daughter without asking for it.” Notably, Coberger chose not to speak during the proceedings.
