Overview

• Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty July 2 to burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in the fatal 2022 stabbings, securing a plea deal that removes the death penalty.
• Judge Steven Hippler has scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 23, when Kohberger will receive consecutive life sentences without the possibility of appeal.
• Investigators linked Kohberger to the crime through DNA on a knife sheath and corroborated his presence near the victims’ home using genetic genealogy, cellphone location data, and surveillance footage.
• Autopsy reports showed all four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—were stabbed while likely asleep and suffered defensive wounds without evidence of sexual assault.
• Reactions among the families varied sharply, with some expressing relief at avoiding a drawn-out trial and others denouncing the deal for eliminating the chance of capital punishment.