Mother of Bryan Kohberger’s victim shares reasons for her forgiveness

The mother of one of the University of Idaho students tragically murdered by Bryan Kohberger has expressed forgiveness towards him, stemming from her own experiences behind bars.

Xana Kernodle was killed alongside her boyfriend Ethan Chapin and friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen back in November 2022.

In July, 30-year-old Kohberger admitted guilt for the murders and was handed four life sentences, ensuring no chance of parole or appeal.

Almost three years following this tragic event, Xana’s mother, Cara Kernodle, disclosed during a church gathering that she has forgiven Kohberger. This was reported by the Coeur d’Alene Press.

‘I don’t hate Bryan Kohberger,’ she reportedly said at the Journey of Forgiveness event at Altar Church.

According to The Spokesman-Review, Cara told Kohberger she forgave him, but she is ‘washing my hands’ of him and not spending anymore time thinking about him.

Cara explained that she was in jail when her daughter was murdered, and after battling with drug addiction for 30 years, she turned to religion during those 10 months behind bars.

‘I was very determined and hungry for the word [of God],’ she said, and gave credit to the Altar’s Good Samaritan Rehabilitation program for helping her overcome her addiction. 

‘The Lord just had me surrender it all,’ she said of drugs. ‘And I did, and I haven’t gone back.’

Cara had previously told the Daily Mail she fell into a dark place after her daughter’s death, struggling to stay sober as she fought her battle with addiction, which resulted in her incarceration.

‘It’s a living nightmare,’ she said. ‘I relapsed after my daughter’s killing. Then four days after that, I got picked up on new charges.’

At night, she said, she can barely sleep as she replays the massacre in her mind and wrestles with personal demons.

Cara was released from custody in late 2024, according to court documents, and will remain on probation until late 2027.

Prior to Kohberger taking a plea deal, Cara’s friends had launched a GoFundMe to help support her while she attended the trial.

She spoke during his sentencing hearing on July 23, and said she would not speak about good memories of Xana because she did not want Kohberger to hear them.

Instead, she told the killer that she prays for him and hopes that one day he will let God into his heart.

Kohberger refuses to share any details about his crimes and his recently released handwritten guilty plea document claims he was diagnosed with four mental health disorders.

During his sentencing – where he was confronted by the families of his victims – the killer was given the opportunity to address the court.

‘I respectfully decline,’ he responded blankly.