In their words: Families of slain students share emotions at Bryan Kohberger's sentencing
Share and Follow


The families and loved ones of the four students stabbed to death in a home near the University of Idaho campus faced Bryan Kohberger during his sentencing in a Boise court Wednesday in an outpouring of grief, anger and even forgiveness.

Many spoke through tears in giving their emotional statements. Some addressed Kohberger directly, while others said they did not want to “waste the words” on him.

The judge also choked up at times.

Here’s a look at the hearing in their words:

Bethany Funke, surviving roommate

“I have not slept through a single night since this happened. I constantly wake up in panics, terrified someone is breaking in or someone is here to hurt me, or I’m about to lose someone else that I love,” Funke said in a statement read by a friend. “For a long time I could barely get out of bed. But one day, I realized I have to live for them.”

Dylan Mortensen, surviving roommate

“Sometimes I drop to the floor with my heart racing, convinced something is very wrong. It’s far beyond anxiety. It’s my body reliving everything over and over again,” she said. “He may have taken so much from me, but he will never get to take my voice. He will never take the memories I have of them.”

Scott Laramie, Madison’s stepfather

“Karen and I are ordinary people, but we lived extraordinary lives because we had Maddie,” he said, referring to his wife, Maddie’s mother. “As for the defendant, we will not waste the words. Nor will we fall into hatred and bitterness.”

Kim Kernodle, Xana’s aunt

“Bryan, I’m here today to tell you I have forgiven you because I no longer could live with that hate in my heart,” she said. “Any time you want to talk and tell me what happened, get my number. I’m here, no judgment, because I do have questions that I want you to answer.”

Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father

“You were that careless, that foolish, that stupid,” he said, taunting Kohberger for getting caught. “Master’s degree? You’re a joke.”

Judge Steven Hippler

“No parent should ever have to bury their child,” 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.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
DailyMail+ unveils its news anchor Power List: Who do viewers hate?

DailyMail+ Reveals Its List of Most and Least Liked News Anchors: Who Isn’t Winning Over Viewers?

For decades, America’s most trusted figures were the men and women delivering…
Mary Gill gets new roof after years of waiting for repairs

“Mary Gill Finally Receives a New Roof After Years of Anticipating Repairs”

Mary Gill lived with a dilapidated roof for years waiting for Rebuild…
Kentucky organ transplant case leads to federal action

Federal response triggered by Kentucky organ transplant case

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDKY) A Kentucky family’s nightmare is leading to major changes…
Chuck E. Cheese employee arrested in iconic mouse mask for using stolen credit card, police say

Chuck E. Cheese Worker Arrested for Credit Card Theft While Wearing Mascot Mask, Police Report

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Wearing the furry mask of the iconic Chuck E.…
Luis Gil could need one more rehab start before Yankees return

Luis Gil May Require Another Rehab Start Before Returning to the Yankees

Luis Gil might need one more minor-league rehab start before the 2024…
White House targets redistricting to aid GOP in 2026

White House Focuses on Redistricting to Support GOP in 2026

Democrats, under pressure from their base to match GOP tactics, have grown…
Trump order shifts homelessness strategy toward enforcement

Trump Directive Changes Homelessness Policy to Focus on Regulation and Enforcement

() President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that directs cities…
'Life savers' at South Dakota lake rescue boy from drowning

‘Heroes’ Rescue Boy from Drowning in South Dakota Lake

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — On July 6th, Billie Rothenberger had an…