BOISE, Idaho — More than two and a half years after four University of Idaho students were brutally murdered in their off-campus home, Bryan Kohberger faces sentencing Tuesday for the crimes that shocked the Moscow community and the entire Inland Northwest.
Kohberger will appear at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, where families of the victims will deliver impact statements directly to the confessed killer before learning his punishment.
Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were all in their off-campus home in November 2022 when someone snuck in and stabbed them all to death. Their deaths triggered a manhunt that led to a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania, where Bryan Kohberger was arrested.
After dozens of court filings, hearings and even a change in venue, Kohberger finally pleaded guilty to the murders on July 2.
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Attorney Leander James, representing Madison Mogen’s family, said that the court will hear victim impact statements first. Family members will speak directly to Kohberger, but Ethan Chapin’s family won’t be there.
After the victim impact statements, prosecutors will propose a sentence, and Kohberger’s defense will share their side. Kohberger might also say a few words about his actions or express remorse. That’s called allocution, one of the only times the defendant can address the court.
After all of this, Judge Hippler will decide Kohberger’s sentence. It could be less than what the plea agreement suggests, as the judge isn’t bound to the plea deal.
What Happens Next
Once the sentencing is over, Kohberger could be sent directly to prison to begin serving his sentence. The proceedings are expected to wrap up by the end of court Tuesday, but Judge Hippler has reserved additional days if necessary.
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