Kohberger Challenges Plea Deal: Potential Trial Looms Amid Controversy Over Lifetime’s ‘Idaho 4’ Movie

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3 hours ago

IDAHO 4 MURDERS DETAILS: IF WORLD HAD KNOWN, NO KOHBERGER PLEA DEAL

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Marking the third anniversary of the Moscow Murders, Judge Hippler has mandated that Kohberger pay an additional restitution of approximately $3,000 to the families of Kaylee and Maddie. This sum is meant to cover the cost of the urns that now hold the remains of the two best friends.

Kohberger contended that he lacked the financial means to fulfill this restitution, given that he is serving a life sentence in prison. However, the judge dismissed this claim, noting that Kohberger amassed nearly $30,000 while in county jails awaiting trial, with much of that amount coming from his family.

Judge Hippler further highlighted that Kohberger, being a young man, has the opportunity to earn money through employment within the prison system. He stated that Kohberger will “receive sufficient amounts over his life to at least come close to meeting his financial restitution obligations.”

This compensation ruling for the Goncalves and Mogen families comes in addition to the nearly $300,000 that Kohberger has already been ordered to pay them.

In a surprising twist from the bench, Judge Hippler announced that under Idaho law, Kohberger could legally profit from selling his story. The law “leaves open the potential for Defendant to receive money from media contracts in the future,” and any such earnings will not be available for restitution payments to the victims.

Joining Nancy Grace today:

Dr. Bethany Marshall – Psychoanalyst, Author of “Deal Breaker: When to work on a relationship and when to walk away,” and featured in hit show: “Paris in Love” on Peacock, www.drbethanymarshall.com , Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive

Chris McDonough – Director at the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective (worked over 300 homicides in 25-year career), Trained the First Native American Homicide Task Force; Host of YouTube Channel, “The Interview Room”

Joseph Scott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author of “Blood Beneath My Feet,” and Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;” X @JoScottForensic, Instagram @JoScottForensic

Dave Mack – Crime Stories Investigative Reporter

Additional Guests

Kristi Goncalves – Mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves
Steve Goncalves – Father of victim Kaylee Goncalves
Josh Kolsrud – Criminal Defense Attorney and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Founder of Kolsrud Law Offices; Facebook and YouTube @KolsrudLawOffices
Annie Elise – Host of the True-crime Podcast “SERIALously”
Dave Mack – Investigative Reporter, “Crime Stories”

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation 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: Left, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves and right, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle/Instagram]