In a case that’s haunted Idaho and much of the country,Bryan Kohbergerm a criminology student from Washington State,admitted to brutally killing four University of Idaho students in a late-night attack that stunned the quiet college town of Moscow
A Chilling Crime, Months in the Making
Prosecutors say Kohberger had been planning the attack for months—carefully mapping out his steps and even trying to cover his tracks afterward. On Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, sparing himself a possible death sentence.
Kohberger, 29, showed little emotion in court as he admitted to breaking into a rented house near campus and killing four young students: Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen. The motive? Still a mystery. Prosecutors say there’s no evidence he even knew them.
The Town That Hadn’t Seen a Murder in Years
Before that tragic night in November 2022, the college town of Moscow hadn’t seen a murder in five years. But on the 13th, the four friends were found stabbed to death, and the community was rocked. The attack shocked the nation and led to a weeks-long search that ended with Kohberger’s arrest in Pennsylvania, where he was staying with his parents over winter break.
Families Torn Over Plea Deal
By taking the plea deal, Kohberger avoids the death penalty and will instead serve four life sentences without the chance of parole. His attorneys had tried—and failed—for months to block the prosecution from pursuing capital punishment. The deal also takes away Kohberger’s ability to appeal.
Not everyone is happy about it. Some families, like the Goncalves’, pushed hard against the agreement. They wanted Kohberger to give a full confession and reveal exactly what happened that night—including where the murder weapon is.
Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves, didn’t even stick around to watch Kohberger in court. “I’m just getting out of this zoo,” he told reporters outside.
Others, like the families of Ethan Chapin and Madison Mogen, backed the deal, saying it was time to begin healing and move forward.
How It Went Down That Night
During the hearing, Prosecutor Bill Thompson shared more disturbing details. He said Kohberger entered the house through a sliding door, went up to the third floor, and first killed Mogen and Goncalves.
Downstairs, Kernodle, who had just received a DoorDash order, was still awake. She and her boyfriend, Chapin, were both killed next. There was no sign of sexual assault. Two other roommates in the house were left unharmed.
Police say Kohberger used a military-style knife, and while the blade itself hasn’t been found, a knife sheath was left behind—along with his DNA. Later, investigators matched that DNA to a sample taken from trash at his parents’ home.
Covering His Tracks Like a Crime Expert
Turns out, Kohberger wasn’t just any student—he was working toward a Ph.D. in criminology and had written papers on how to process crime scenes. Prosecutors believe he used that knowledge to clean up after the attack.
He reportedly bought a replacement knife sheath, scrubbed his apartment and office, and even tore apart his car. He changed its registration, too.
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Cellphone records and surveillance cameras later showed he’d been circling the victims’ neighborhood at least a dozen times before the murders. His lawyers tried to explain it away, saying he was just out for a long drive.
What’s Next
Kohberger’s sentencing is set for July 23, but the story isn’t over. While some families feel a bit of closure, others are still demanding answers.A statement from Mogen’s family summed it up best: “We now embark on a new path. A path of hope and healing.”
This version is based on original reporting by the Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press
