Bryan Kohberger is facing sentencing today (July 23) for the horrific murders of four University of Idaho students.
The former criminology student has admitted to the murders of Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and 20-year-olds Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, which took place in the early hours of November 13, 2022.
All four victims were fatally stabbed after Kohberger broke into their rental home located near the university’s main campus.
Last month, he agreed to a controversial plea bargain, confessing to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary – charges he had previously denied.
By pleading guilty, Kohberger has avoided a trial initially set for August and, more importantly, the possibility of facing the death penalty.
This decision has created a rift among the victims’ families.
For instance, while Chapin’s family feels a sense of relief that Kohberger is no longer free, Goncalves’ family has criticized the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office for what they perceive as a rushed and ‘mishandled’ case.
Today, at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, the sentencing process will commence, and here is what can be anticipated.
Kohberger is expected to receive a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
According to his plea agreement, he will receive four consecutive life sentences for the murders of Mogen, Goncalves, Kernodle, and Chapin.
Additionally, he will face an extra 10-year sentence for the charge of burglary.
Under the terms of the plea deal, Kohberger cannot appeal his sentence and is not eligible for any leniency.
The sentencing hearing for Kohberger will start at 9 a.m. local time, though it is not guaranteed that the sentencing will be finalized today.
The court has indicated that Judge Steven Hippler will listen to impact statements from family members before proceeding with the sentencing.
Kohberger has the chance to make a statement, although it appears unlikely that he will choose to speak.
The proceedings are expected to extend throughout the day, with scheduled breaks, as it will be an emotionally challenging day for the families of the victims.
There is a possibility that the hearing could extend into the following day (July 24) to allow families to read their statements fully.
Consequently, the exact time of Kohberger’s sentencing remains uncertain.
The motive behind Kohberger’s senseless killings might remain a mystery to the victims’ families.
Reports indicate that his plea deal does not require him to disclose the reason for the murders of Mogen, Goncalves, Kernodle, and Chapin.
Before the hearing, Kohberger’s attorney, Anne Taylor, informed USA TODAY that his defense team ‘will not make any comments or provide any information’, even after the sentencing is concluded.
While Kohberger has not revealed the reason for killing the four students, his signed confession states that the attack was ‘premeditated’.
The day following the murders – before being considered a suspect – Kohberger suggested to a neighbor that the killings might have been ‘a crime of passion’.
Additionally, President Donald Trump has urged the quadruple-murderer to provide an explanation before today’s sentencing.
On Truth Social, Trump stated, “These were vicious murders, with so many questions left unanswered.”
“…before Sentencing, I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders. There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING.”
He concluded by saying, “People were shocked that he was able to plea bargain, but the Judge should make him explain what happened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
You can follow a livestream of the sentencing from Idaho Fourth District Court’s YouTube channel above, or access it via this link.
News outlets, including Fox 13, will also cover the sentencing.