Kohberger, 30, a former graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University, faces murder charges for the deaths of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin, who were killed at an off-campus house near the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022. He had pleaded not guilty.
Share and Follow

() has learned a plea deal has been offered to Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, and he has accepted.

Sources confirm the prosecution has proposed dropping the death penalty in exchange for Kohberger pleading guilty to committing the murders and to a burglary charge.

has learned Kohberger must also agree to spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole and must waive his right to appeal.

A court hearing for a change of plea will be Wednesday.

Kohberger, 30, a former graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University, faces murder charges for the deaths of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin, who were killed at an off-campus house near the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022. He had pleaded not guilty.

Kaylee Goncalves family ‘beyond furious’ at Bryan Kohberger plea deal

Kohberger, 30, a former graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University, faces murder charges for the deaths of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin, who were killed at an off-campus house near the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022. He had pleaded not guilty.

In a statement on social media, the family of Goncalves said, “It’s true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support. #heartbroken #kayleejade4ever”

A family member of one victim told that upon hearing of the plea deal, she felt like “all the power had been given back to Kohberger.”

Many families of the victims had planned on living in Boise, Idaho, for the duration of the trial.

Family members tell they had no indication of a plea deal being offered and say they are shocked and have more questions, including whether Kohberger will confess to the killings.

  • Kohberger, 30, a former graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University, faces murder charges for the deaths of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin, who were killed at an off-campus house near the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022. He had pleaded not guilty.
  • Kohberger, 30, a former graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University, faces murder charges for the deaths of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin, who were killed at an off-campus house near the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022. He had pleaded not guilty.

Bryan Kohberger faces 4 murder charges connected to the killings

The students were found with fatal stab wounds in an off-campus rental home in the early morning hours.

Investigators believe the four students, thought to be sleeping at the time, were fatally stabbed between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. According to the coroner, there was no sign of sexual assault.

A little over a month after the killings, Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30, 2022, and extradited to Idaho.

  • two girls smiling for a photo
  • Maddie May Mogen memorial plaque at the University of Idaho on Aug. 21, 2024.
  • Bryan Kohberger behind the wheel as seen in bodycam footage
  • People pay their respects at a vigil held in front of a statue on the Boise State campus in 2022.
  • Candles and flowers are left at a make-shift memorial honoring four slain University of Idaho students outside the Mad Greek restaurant in downtown Moscow, Idaho, on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.

Court records showed that investigators identified Kohberger as the suspect through a combination of DNA evidence at the scene, cellphone records and the suspect’s white Hyundai Elantra.

A judge had granted a venue change for the murder trial from the small town of Moscow, Idaho, arguing the small local jury pool was likely tainted by pretrial publicity, after a request from Kohberger’s attorneys.

Latah County Judge John Judge also agreed with Kohberger’s lawyer on the massive publicity of the case making it difficult to find impartial jurors in Latah County. 

A trial date was initially set for October 2023, but after Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial, it was pushed back until the summer of 2025.

Kohberger’s attorneys had tried to delay the trial, citing 68 terabytes of evidence to review.

The trial was scheduled to begin in August, with opening arguments expected Aug. 18.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
NYPD officers line streets to honor colleague killed in Park Ave shooting

NYPD officers line streets to honor colleague killed in Park Ave shooting

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! New York City police…
Colorado dentist convicted of murder in the poisoning death of his wife

Colorado Dentist Found Guilty of Killing Wife by Poisoning

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — A jury convicted a Colorado dentist of first-degree…
Trump admin seeks to unleash AI in schools

Trump Administration Aims to Integrate AI in Education

The Trump administration is looking to propel the use of artificial intelligence…
Hermès heir 'no longer holds' his stake, says fashion boss

Hermès Heir Reportedly Sells His Stake, Claims Fashion Executive

The billionaire heir of the luxury design house Hermès reportedly no longer…
The stomach-turning way a widow is keeping her husband's memory

The Unique and Heartfelt Way a Widow Honors Her Husband’s Memory

A grieving West Virginia wife created a stomach-turning way to remember her husband by framing…
Chicago Park District closing encampment for people experiencing homelessness at Legion Park on Northwest Side

Chicago Park District to Dismantle Homeless Encampment at Legion Park on Northwest Side

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Park District is closing an encampment for…
Canada’s antisemitism envoy resigns, citing exhaustion amid hate surge

Canada’s antisemitism envoy resigns, citing exhaustion amid hate surge

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Antisemitism in Canada surged…
Louisiana 'Medicaid millionaire' bought Lamborghini while claiming government benefits for years

Louisiana ‘Medicaid millionaire’ bought Lamborghini while claiming government benefits for years

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Not so fast.  A…