Bryan Kohberger has reached a plea deal in the deaths of four University of Idaho students.

The families of those killed received a letter signed by Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson telling them a plea deal had been worked out that prevents a trial, and Kohberger will confess to ending the life of their child while saving his own. Kohberger will plead guilty to four counts of murder and one felony count of robbery; he will be sentenced to life without parole and waive his right to appeal.

The judge still has to approve the plea deal. Judges have the final say on plea deals, even when the prosecution and defense agree on the terms.

The Bryan Thompson letter informs the victim’s family that Kohberger’s defense team approached the state last week, requesting a deal. Thompson says they met with available family members, weighed the right path forward, and made a formal offer to Kohberger.

The letter continues, “We cannot fathom the toll that this case has taken on your family. This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family. This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals.”

After hearing that a deal has been offered to Bryan Kohberger, the family of Kaylee Goncalves went public with their disappointment over the decision. Kaylee was just 21 when she was murdered in Moscow, and her family has been one of the most outspoken since their nightmare began, and they are not happy the prosecution has decided to let Kohberger avoid the death penalty.

A post on the Goncalves family Facebook page posted minutes after the deal was announced says, “We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was unexpected.”

Joining Nancy Grace today:

Additional Guests

Howard Blum – Author: “When The Night Comes Falling, A Requiem for The Idaho Student Murders;” Instagram: howard_blum_author, X: howardblum   

Dave Mack  – Crime Stories  Investigative Reporter

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts

[Feature Photo: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho. A judge overseeing the case against Kohberger, charged with killing four University of Idaho students last fall, is set to hear arguments over a gag order that largely bars attorneys and other parties in the case from speaking with news reporters. (Zach Wilkinson/Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool)]