Overview

• Kohberger pleaded guilty on July 2 to four counts of first-degree murder and burglary, accepting a deal that spares him the death penalty and bars any appeal.
• He is to receive four consecutive life sentences, with Judge Steven Hippler scheduling his sentencing hearing for July 23 in Boise’s Ada County District Court.
• Prosecutors built their case using genetic genealogy and cellphone and surveillance data, matching Kohberger’s DNA from a Q-tip at his parents’ Pennsylvania home to material on a knife sheath at the scene.
• The plea agreement prompted mixed reactions from victims’ families, with Kaylee Goncalves’ relatives opposing it for not requiring a full confession and return of the murder weapon, while families of Ethan Chapin and Madison Mogen expressed relief.
• Despite exhaustive forensic and digital evidence, Kohberger’s motive and any prior connection to the victims remain unclear, leaving key questions about why some housemates were spared.