Hints of inner turmoil faced by Bryan Kohberger's mother
Share and Follow

Bryan Kohberger’s mother was visibly emotional throughout his sentencing hearing despite the killer’s stone-cold demeanor.

MaryAnn Kohberger was present in the courtroom with Kohberger’s lookalike sister Amanda as Judge Steven Hippler delivered four life sentences for the ‘grotesque murders’ of Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.

At several points during the victim impact statement portion of the hearing, MaryAnn ‘shuddered’ with emotion.

The killer’s mother reportedly wept quietly during the court proceedings and briefly sobbed when Mogen’s grandmother expressed her grief for the families of the other victims, as well as the Kohbergers.

She and her daughter sat quietly near the defense table, the only two people in the gallery there to support Kohberger.

His father did not attend, but he was present when Kohberger pleaded guilty earlier this month.

MaryAnn and Amanda were seen exiting through a back door of the courtroom after Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The shattered mom wore dark glasses to cover her face. Her hair was swept up in an updo, and she wore a black floral dress with dangly earrings.

Kohberger's sister Amanda, their mother MaryAnn and his defense attorney Anne Taylor were escorted out of the Ada County Courthouse by police after the intense hearing

Kohberger’s sister Amanda, their mother MaryAnn and his defense attorney Anne Taylor were escorted out of the Ada County Courthouse by police after the intense hearing

The Kohberger family issued a statement just days after his arrest, saying they would be standing by him

The Kohberger family issued a statement just days after his arrest, saying they would be standing by him

Amanda, meanwhile, looked straight down the lens of the camera as she exited first from the courthouse.

She and MaryAnn had traveled from their home in Pennsylvania to witness the conclusion of one of the most infamous crimes of the 21st century. 

They were escorted from the courtroom by police after and did not make any statement. 

The family issued a statement just days after Kohberger’s arrest, saying they would be standing by him.  

The statement said they ‘care deeply for the four families who have lost their precious children’ and that they were cooperating fully with the investigation. 

They added that ‘as a family we will love and support our son and brother.’

Kohberger has never explained his motive for carrying out the murders. He sat in court Wednesday as he heard heart-wrenching statements from families of the four students he stabbed to death. 

He was asked if he’d like to address the court, but said: ‘I respectfully decline.’

Cara Northington, the mother of victim Xana Kernodle, wipes her eye during the sentencing hearing

Cara Northington, the mother of victim Xana Kernodle, wipes her eye during the sentencing hearing

Pictured left to right: Housemates Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke in 2022

Pictured left to right: Housemates Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee’s shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke in 2022

Judge Hippler said the heartbroken families may never know why Kohberger killed their loved ones.

‘The need to know what is inherently not understandable makes us dependent upon the defendant to provide us with a reason, and that gives him the spotlight, the attention and the power he appears to crave,’ he said.

‘In my view, the time has now come to end Mr Kohberger’s 15 minutes of fame.

‘It’s time that he been consigned to the ignominy and isolation of perpetual incarceration.’

Kohberger was studying for a doctorate degree in criminology at Washington State University in 2022 when he drove to the small town of Moscow, Idaho and broke into the victims’ shared house.

He went from room to room stabbing four of the six occupants to death.

Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ house in Pennsylvania thousands of miles away on December 30 that year, after DNA found on a knife sheath was traced to him. 

He continued to deny the charges, despite mounting evidence, and appeared set to go to trial until this month when a shock plea deal was announced – sparing him the death penalty.

Amanda Kohberger delivered a glare that hauntingly resembled the expression her killer brother sported in court

Amanda Kohberger delivered a glare that hauntingly resembled the expression her killer brother sported in court

Kohberger has never explained his motive for carrying out the murders. He sat in court Wednesday as he heard heart-wrenching statements from families of the four students he stabbed to death

Kohberger has never explained his motive for carrying out the murders. He sat in court Wednesday as he heard heart-wrenching statements from families of the four students he stabbed to death

After the victim impact statements concluded on Wednesday, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson offered more details about how that plea bargain came about.

On June 18, Kohberger’s final motions were argued before the court – to delay the trial and to be able to accuse others of being alternate suspects.

‘The following week, we were approached by the defense on a possible plea,’ the prosecutor said.

This was the first mention of a possible plea as the defense ‘maintained from the beginning that he was innocent.’

Thompson, the prosecutor, said his office met with the victims’ families about the potential of a plea deal.

‘We understand, recognise and acknowledge that there was a difference of opinion among representatives of the different families,’ he said.

His office decided to take the plea deal, but accepts that not everyone supported his decision.

‘I accept that. It’s my responsibility,’ he said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Texas governor warns any New Yorkers trying to flee after Mamdani win

Texas Governor Issues Stern Warning to New Yorkers Considering Move After Mamdani’s Political Victory

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to implement a 100 percent tariff…
Nassau gifts sleazy drug-infested former motel for $20M project to house struggling veterans: officials

Nassau County Allocates Former Motel Site for $20 Million Initiative to Support Homeless Veterans

Nassau County has transferred ownership of a notorious, derelict motel, once plagued…
Walmart boss warns of AI shake-up that will impact 2.1million jobs

Walmart CEO Alerts to Potential AI-Driven Changes Affecting 2.1 Million Jobs

Walmart’s CEO has issued a stark warning about how artificial intelligence is…
UChicago professor posts vile social media comment on Dick Cheney hours after his death

UChicago Professor Sparks Controversy with Social Media Post Following Dick Cheney’s Passing

A prominent professor from a leading university, recently involved in controversy, has…
Duval County Schools leaders discuss school successes and declining enrollment at District 5 town hall

Duval County Schools Officials Highlight Achievements and Address Enrollment Decline at District 5 Town Hall Meeting

During a town hall meeting on Monday night, parents from Duval County…
Election Day: What's on the ballot in the first general election since Donald Trump became president

Exploring the Ballot: Key Issues in the First General Election Following Donald Trump’s Presidency

As the nation reflects on the first anniversary of Donald Trump reclaiming…
DoorDasher's car used in Jacksonville police chase after being stolen mid-delivery, driver says

Stolen Car Sparks Police Chase in Jacksonville During DoorDash Delivery, Driver Reports

A Jacksonville resident found himself at the center of an unexpected criminal…
LISTEN: The moments before near-miss at Hopkins Airport

Exclusive Audio Reveals Tense Moments Leading to Near-Miss Incident at Hopkins Airport

CLEVELAND (WJW) — An investigation has been launched by the National Transportation…