BOISE, Idaho (Court TV/Scripps News Boise) — Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison after accepting a plea deal for the murders of four University of Idaho students.
On July 2, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the brutal murders in exchange for prosecutors dropping the death penalty. Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves were found stabbed to death in their home near the University of Idaho campus in Nov. 2022.
Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse, for his sentencing hearing, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, for brutally stabbing four University of Idaho students to death nearly three years ago. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool)
Under the conditions of the agreement, Kohberger agreed to serve the maximum sentence on each count — life for each murder and 10 years for burglary — consecutively.
At Kohberger’s plea hearing, prosecutor Bill Thompson said that Mogen and Goncalves were murdered first and that Kohberger was either coming down the stairs or leaving when he encountered Kernodle, still holding a large knife. He killed Kernodle and then Chapin, who was asleep. Each victim suffered multiple wounds, but Thompson emphasized there was no evidence of any sexual assault.
MORE | Bryan Kohberger sentenced to life in prison for Idaho student murders
Last week, Judge Hippler lifted the gag order in Kohberger’s case but denied a media petition to unseal all documents in the case prior to sentencing. Instead, he outlined a process to review sealed documents after sentencing, working from newest to oldest. Judge Hippler noted this process will take considerable time and may not begin in earnest until after the sentencing and potential appeal period.
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1:25 p.m. ET
Judge Sentences Bryan Kohberger to Die in Prison: “Time to End His 15 Minutes of Fame”
Judge Steven Hippler delivered a forceful and emotional statement before sentencing Bryan Kohberger to life in prison without the possibility of parole, calling him a “faceless coward” who “slithered” into a home and “senselessly slaughtered” four innocent young people.
Speaking directly to the devastation inflicted on the families, Judge Hippler described the unimaginable pain of parents who sent their children to college only to bring them home in coffins. He praised the courage of the victims’ families and surviving roommates, declaring, “They are not victims—they are survivors. The light those kids brought to the world will never fade.”
Hippler warned against giving Kohberger further power by obsessing over his motives: “The more we struggle to extract a reason, the more power and control we give him. It’s time to end his 15 minutes of fame.” He denounced any potential future platforms for Kohberger, including books or media deals.
Finding “not even a hint of remorse or redemption,” the judge sentenced Kohberger to four consecutive life sentences—one for each murder—plus 10 years for burglary, fines, and civil penalties to each family. “Remand the defendant to the Idaho Department of Corrections, where he will remain until the day he dies,” Hippler concluded. Court was then recessed.
1:24 p.m. ET
Kohberger Declines to Speak as Sentencing Nears
As the hearing neared its conclusion, Bryan Kohberger declined to address the court. His defense team presented no evidence, and Kohberger simply stated he would “respectfully decline” to make a statement before sentencing.
1:08 p.m. ET
Prosecutor Asks Judge to Sentence Him to “Die in Prison”
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson asked the judge to impose the harshest punishment available under the plea deal—life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Thompson detailed how Bryan Kohberger’s guilty plea came after his defense abandoned claims of innocence and approached the state about avoiding trial. There was no plea bargain—just a requirement that Kohberger plead guilty to all charges and waive all appeals. Though victims’ families had differing opinions, they agreed on one condition: full accountability.
He closed with a powerful reminder of what was lost—a photo of the six close friends taken just hours before the murders. “They were bright, vibrant, loving, and innocent,” he said. “Today, we ask the court to ensure the defendant is locked away forever. When the judge imposes sentence and that prison door closes behind him, that will be the closure these families—and the world—deserve.”
1:02 p.m. ET
Xana’s Mother: “I Wash My Hands of You”
Carol Northington, mother of Xana Kernodle, delivered a powerful and faith-filled statement directed at Bryan Kohberger. While acknowledging the immense pain he caused, she said it is through her relationship with Jesus that she found the strength to forgive him—not for his sake, but for her own peace.
“You don’t deserve our good memories,” she said, refusing to share personal stories of Xana with her daughter’s killer. Instead, she placed judgment in God’s hands, declaring, “Nothing man can do compares to the wrath of God. I wash my hands of you. You are no longer a thing.” The courtroom applauded.
12:59 p.m. ET
Xana’s Stepfather: “You Took Our Children—Go to Hell”
Xana Kernodle’s stepfather, Randy Davis, spoke emotionally and unscripted, expressing unity with the other victims’ families and gratitude for the bond they now share through tragedy. He shared a lighthearted memory of Xana’s playful spirit, recalling a moment when she and her sister dressed up their little brother to make him laugh.
Turning to Bryan Kohberger, Davis didn’t hold back. Visibly shaken, he said he wanted him to take his next words in, “Go to hell.” The gallery erupted in applause.
12:55 p.m. ET
Xana’s Aunt and Uncle: “We’re United, Stronger Than Ever”
Xana Kernodle’s aunt, Kim, spoke candidly about the emotional toll the murders had on their family, saying the tragedy initially created anger and division—but ultimately brought loved ones closer together. She described Xana as joyful, high-spirited, and exactly the person everyone remembers her to be. In a striking moment, Kim said she has forgiven Bryan Kohberger, adding, “If you want to tell me what happened, get my number—I’ll listen.”
Xana’s uncle echoed the family’s anguish, saying each victim statement hit him at his core. He expressed deep love for Xana and noted the pain Kohberger caused his own family too. The courtroom responded with applause.
12:47 p.m. ET
Jeff Kernodle: “Xana’s Impact Reaches Far Beyond Us”
Xana Kernodle’s father, Jeff, shared heartfelt reflections on the deep bond he had with his daughter, recalling late-night phone calls, weekend check-ins, and her habit of introducing him to her friends. “She made a big impact on me,” he said. “Way beyond what I would have thought.”
He spoke of the lasting influence Xana had on others, even strangers who say they wish they’d known her. Jeff described a moment on the flight to the sentencing where a little girl reminded him of Xana as a child—bringing back memories of what he lost and what still lives on.
Though he expressed regret for not visiting her that night, he also shared hope that the impact of her story—especially how it’s changed safety awareness among college students—will protect others. “Xana’s influence goes far beyond us,” he said. “And I want to keep making great memories, like the ones she gave me.” The courtroom responded with applause.
12:42 p.m. ET
Jazzmin Kernodle: “You’ll Never Take Xana’s Legacy”
Xana Kernodle’s sister, Jazzmin, delivered a powerful statement focused on love, faith, and resilience. She said her heart was shattered the day Xana was killed—losing not just a sister, but her best friend and guide. “She lived life to the fullest,” Jazzmin said, “and deserved so much more.”
She rejected giving Bryan Kohberger power over her emotions, instead urging him to feel the full weight of his guilt and surrender to God. Though Xana won’t be there for her future milestones, Jazzmin said her sister’s legacy will live on. “You didn’t take that from us. You never will.” The courtroom applauded.
12:15 p.m. ET
10-minute recess
12:18 p.m. ET
Goncalves Family Attorney Shares Blistering Statements from Relatives
Attorney Shannon Gray read emotional victim impact statements from Kaylee Goncalves’ relatives, including her aunt and two grandmothers. They described the anguish of losing Kaylee and the futures stolen by Bryan Kohberger’s brutality.
One called Kohberger a “demon from hell” who gave the family “a lifetime sentence.” Another said his darkness couldn’t tolerate the light of the young women he murdered. Though he took their lives, they said, he failed to extinguish their light—“you only spread it to the world.”
Several relatives expressed disappointment that Kohberger didn’t receive the death penalty, with one bluntly wishing he would “burn in hell.” Their defiant words ended in applause.
12:14 p.m. ET
Kristi Goncalves: “Hell Will Be Waiting”
Kaylee Goncalves’ mother, Kristi, delivered a scathing statement aimed directly at Bryan Kohberger, saying his actions shattered her family’s lives and left a lasting emotional toll. “You altered my every waking moment,” she said, describing how birthdays have turned into memorials and grief now defines her world.
Kristi mocked Kohberger’s failed ambitions and lack of human connection, calling him “pathetic” and a “joke in the courtroom.” She said he didn’t beat the system—he entered a new one where he’ll face consequences daily. “You’ll be forgotten, discarded,” she said, ending with a fiery message: “When the prison doors shut behind you, may you continue to live your life in misery… Hell will be waiting.”
A final line from Kaylee’s sister Aubrie drew applause: “You may have gotten A’s in college, but you’ll get big D’s in prison.”
12:04 p.m. ET
Alivea Goncalves: “You Were Never Special—Just Pathetic”
Alivea Goncalves, older sister of Kaylee, delivered a blistering and emotional statement, directly confronting Bryan Kohberger. She called him a “sociopath” and a “pathetic loser,” saying he targeted people who embodied everything he wasn’t—loved, accepted, and accomplished.
Alivea described her lifelong role as Kaylee and Maddie’s protector, vowing never to let them feel alone—even in death. She read raw, late-night journal entries filled with unresolved questions, rage, and heartbreak. “You didn’t create devastation,” she said. “You revealed it in yourself.”
Rejecting the notion that Kohberger was special or mysterious, she called him weak, predictable, and desperate for attention. “If you hadn’t attacked in the night,” she ended defiantly, “Kaylee would have kicked your f***ing ass.” The courtroom erupted in applause.
11:59 a.m. ET
Steve Goncalves: “You Picked the Wrong Family”
Kaylee Goncalves’ father, Steve, delivered a fiery and emotional statement condemning Bryan Kohberger, whom he refused to name—referring to him only as “BK.” Goncalves said the killer failed in his attempt to spread fear and instead united families, law enforcement, and an entire community in strength and love for the victims.
He recalled how quickly their family mobilized after the murders, helping identify Kohberger’s car and DNA. “You’re a joke,” he said, addressing the defendant directly. “The world watched because of our kids, not because of you.”
Goncalves closed by thanking the investigators who brought the case to justice and vowed the families would move forward, leaving Kohberger behind as just two forgotten initials.
- VIDEO: Kaylee Goncalves’ Father: ’You United Everyone in Their Disgust for You’
- VIDEO: Kaylee Goncalves’ Family Gives Impact Statements at Kohberger’s Sentencing
11:51 a.m. ET
Ben Mogen: “Maddie Was the Only Great Thing I Ever Did”
Maddie Mogen’s father, Ben Mogen, spoke through tears about the loss of his only child, calling her his greatest source of pride. He recalled their close bond, concerts they attended together, and how Maddie gave him strength during his darkest battles with addiction.
He shared the final Father’s Day card she wrote and expressed gratitude to Karen and Scottie for raising her with love. Reflecting on her future cut short, he said, “I love you, Maddie. I wish you were still here.”
On Kohberger’s punishment, Mogen said a death sentence may sound final, but life in prison—waking up each day not knowing if “they’ll pull your card”—is worse. “In a place where people don’t want you around anymore… that’s not a life.”
11:42 a.m. ET
Maddie Mogen’s Grandmother: “Her Light Will Go On”
Kim Cheeley, Maddie Mogen’s grandmother, supported the plea deal and shared memories of their close bond, including Maddie’s nickname for her, “Deedle.” She described the deep grief her family has faced and encouraged others to honor Maddie with acts of kindness on May 25, known as “Maddie May Day.”
11:40 a.m. ET
Maddie Mogen’s Family Attorney: “We Will Carry Maddie’s Light”
Speaking on behalf of Karen and Scott Laramie, attorney and family advocate Leander James expressed deep gratitude and sorrow, honoring Maddie Mogen’s inner and outer beauty and the hope she brought to her family’s future.
James condemned the “evil” that took Maddie’s life, stating the family seeks no mercy for the defendant. Instead, they will focus their energy on honoring Maddie’s light and working to make the world a better place.
11:30 a.m. ET
Maddie Mogen’s Stepfather: “Evil Does Not Deserve Our Attention”
Scott Laramie, stepfather to Madison Mogen, delivered a heartfelt statement on behalf of himself and Maddie’s mother, Karen. He recalled Maddie as a joyful, empathetic, and bright light in their lives—from a sweet toddler to an accomplished young woman building her future.
Laramie described the lasting devastation her murder has caused, including Karen’s emotional collapse and their struggle to live without their only child. Despite their grief, he expressed hope, faith, and unity with the other victims’ families.
They support the plea agreement and said they refuse to give the defendant their energy. “Evil does not deserve our time and attention,” Laramie said. “We are done being victims. We will endure.”
11:20 a.m. ET
Dylan Mortensen Describes Trauma, Survival and Unshakable Love in Statement
Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen delivered an emotional and tear-filled victim impact statement, recounting how the murders of her four close friends shattered her sense of safety, identity, and future. “He took away who they were becoming,” she said, describing birthdays, graduations, and joyful moments stolen by Kohberger’s actions.
Mortensen, who was just 19 at the time, spoke of crippling panic attacks, nightmares, and years of hypervigilance and fear. “He may have shattered parts of me,” she said, “but I’m putting myself back together.” She described how she made escape plans everywhere she went and slept in her mother’s bed, terrified to close her eyes.
Despite the lasting trauma, Mortensen said she is learning to live again for her friends: Xana, Ethan, Kaylee, and Maddie. “Living is how I honor them,” she said, declaring that Kohberger may have taken much, but he will never take her voice, her memories, or the love they shared.
11:10 a.m. ET
Surviving Roommate Bethany Funke Shares Guilt, Grief in Emotional Statement
In a victim impact statement read aloud by her friend Emily Alandt, surviving roommate Bethany Funke described the trauma, survivor’s guilt, and lasting fear she has carried since the brutal murders of her four friends. Funke recounted waking up the morning of the killings with no idea what had happened, later making the frantic 911 call that she says she can’t even remember.
She shared how the aftermath shattered her sense of safety—sleeping in her parents’ room for a year, checking locks every night, and fearing the killer might return. Online harassment and strangers showing up at her home only deepened the pain.
Through tears, Funke reflected on cherished memories of the victims: Xana’s warmth and humor, Ethan’s genuine kindness, Kaylee’s playful pranks, and Maddie’s protective, sisterly bond. “Everything I do, I do with them in mind,” she said. “I hope they are remembered for who they were, not how they died.”
The judge praised Funke’s courage and resilience, acknowledging the strength it took to share her story.
11 a.m. ET
Bryan Kohberger is present in the courtroom. No testimony is expected other than impact statements. Judge Steven Hippler clarified that all victims who will be speaking have agreed to go on camera.
7:30 a.m. ET
The line outside the Ada County Courthouse formed around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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