Idaho judge slams Bryan Kohberger's 'hollow' attempt to dodge death penalty in latest blow to defense
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The family of Kaylee Goncalves — one of the victims of Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger — said Monday they were sent “scrambling” and “jumped into panic mode” after Kohberger accepted a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.

Kohberger, 30, is accused of killing Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, in a 4 a.m. home invasion attack on Nov. 13, 2022.

Goncalves’ 18-year-old sister, Aubrie, said she refuses to stay silent and reaffirmed her family support for the death penalty in this case. She said she was unable to attend the family’s meeting with prosecutors in person to make her case.

She said what the victims’ families have endured since the murders is “beyond comprehension,” pointing to delays and the relocation of proceedings that made it harder for loved ones to attend. She argued that the justice system has placed “heavy burdens” on people “already carrying unimaginable grief” but that they have attempted to hold on to hope.

Idaho student murder victims

Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves’ final Instagram post. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)

“Bryan Kohberger facing a life in prison means he would still get to speak, form relationships, and engage with the world,” she said. “Meanwhile, our loved ones have been silenced forever. That reality stings more deeply when it feels like the system is protecting his future more than honoring the victims’ pasts.”

She said the justice system “was created to serve and protect—not to retraumatize grieving families,” adding: “time and time again, we find ourselves blindsided, unheard, and unsupported.”

“This last-minute plea deal feels less like an act of justice and more like an afterthought,” she said. “We are not asking for vengeance. We are asking for accountability. We are asking for dignity for our loved ones. And we are asking—pleading—for a justice system that truly lives up to its name.”

The family said in another post that they vaguely spoke to prosecutors Friday about the possibility of a plea deal but that it was a “hard no” for them. They said the majority of the conversation was about the upcoming trial and nothing prepared them for the next steps.

Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger Attends Pre-Trial Hearing In Idaho

Bryan Kohberger arrives for a hearing in the courtroom in Latah County District Court on September 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images)

They said they received an email Sunday night that sent them “scrambling” and they “immediately jumped into panic mode and started making phone calls and sending emails.”

The family met with the prosecution again on Monday to reiterate their support for Kohberger receiving the death penalty.

“Unfortunately all of our efforts did not matter,” the family said. “We DID OUR BEST! We fought harder than anyone could EVER imagine.”

The four victims had all been stabbed multiple times with a large knife, according to prosecutors. Police recovered a Ka-Bar sheath that they allege had Kohberger’s DNA on it near Mogen’s body.

Fox News’ Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger appears set to plead guilty in 4 Idaho college students' deaths

Bryan Kohberger reportedly ready to admit guilt in deaths of 4 Idaho college students

Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four college students in…
Did the Senate pass the 'Big Beautiful Bill' from Trump?

Has the Senate approved Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”?

It’s a pivotal moment for the Republicans, who have control of Congress…
Police reveal contents of mysterious black packages that washed up on pristine Florida beach

Police reveal contents of mysterious black packages that washed up on pristine Florida beach

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As Yosemite Sam would…
Orlando Bloom posts cryptic messages after Katy Perry split

Orlando Bloom shares mysterious messages following breakup with Katy Perry

Orlando Bloom appears to have a new lease on life. The actor…
Why Bryan Kohberger won't have to tell victims' families what happened

Why Bryan Kohberger doesn’t need to inform the families of victims about what occurred

() Trial attorney Mercedes Colwin believes Bryan Kohberger’s acceptance of a plea deal…
Pope, State Department condemn latest massacre of Christians by Islamist militants in Nigeria

Pope, State Department condemn latest massacre of Christians by Islamist militants in Nigeria

Pope condemns killing of 200 people in Nigeria Islamic militants stormed Benue…
Family rescues diamondback terrapins from storm drains

Family saves diamondback terrapins trapped in storm drains

VENTNOR, New Jersey — Since she was a kid, Evelyn Kidd has…
Chilling image shows Idaho firefighter ambush suspect in war paint before deadly attack

Chilling image shows Idaho firefighter ambush suspect in war paint before deadly attack

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Authorities on Monday released…