BOISE, Idaho – An Ada County judge has set aside a full day in court next Wednesday for the sentencing of convicted quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger.
Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle.
The four victims were students at the University of Idaho when Kohberger, a Phd student at nearby Washington State University, broke into their home and stabbed them them to death.
Kohberger was scheduled to stand trial in August, but instead entered into a plea agreement in late June.
Under the agreement, Kohberger avoids the death penalty and agrees to serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
He also agrees to waive his right to appeal both the plea and the sentence.
Who can watch the sentencing?
Seating in the Ada County courtroom for anyone not directly involved in the case will be limited to a first come, first serve basis.
Judge Steven Hippler has denied outside cameras in the courtroom, but proceedings will be livestreamed on the court’s YouTube page. 4 News Now will stream that live on kxly.com and on the KXLY+ app on connected TVs.
The sentencing will begin at 9:00 mountain time (8:00 pacific time). The courthouse will open 90 minutes prior with the courtroom itself opening 15 minutes before the hearing begins.
How long will it take
Judge Hippler has set aside the full day for the sentencing hearing, with short breaks planned in the morning, for lunch and in the mid-afternoon.
At the sentencing, family members and others connected to the case will have a chance to speak to the judge about the proposed sentence and the impact of the crime.
It’s not clear who will speak for either the prosecution and the defense, but an order from the judge says a still camera provided by the Associated Press will not be allowed to photograph victims and family members. It’s not clear if those same people will be shown on the live stream operated by the court.
Bryan Kohberger will have the opportunity to address the court, though the defense has not said publicly if he will do so.
It’s also not clear which of the victims’ family members or friends might choose to address the court.
Ethan Chapin’s parents have said they will not be attending the sentencing hearing, telling NBC News they felt the case was over for them the moment Kohberger admitted his guilt.
Kaylee Goncalves’ family has been outspoken against the plea deal, saying they were wronged by prosecutors who should not have taken the death penalty off the table.
Madison Mogen’s family has spoken out in support of the plea deal.
Xana Kernodle’s mother told Fox News she is at peace with the decision because it eliminates his right to appeal.
What happens next
After the sentencing, Kohberger will immediately be in the custody of the Idaho Department of Corrections.
He is most likely to serve his time at the Idaho State Correctional Institution in Boise, though high-profile inmates are sometimes moved to other jurisdictions for their safety.
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