Bryan Kohberger sentencing: Idaho college student killer sentenced to life in prison

Bryan Kohberger has pleaded guilty to all counts.

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Last updated: Thursday, July 24, 2025 10:09AM GMT
Bryan Kohberger gets 4 life sentences for murders of 4 Idaho students

A judge sentenced Bryan Kohberger to serve four life sentences without parole for the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students nearly three years ago.

In Wednesday's hearing, families of Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Kaylee Goncalves described the anguish they've felt since their loved ones were killed in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022.

MORE | Judge sentences Bryan Kohberger to life in prison for murdering 4 University of Idaho students

The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.

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Jul 23, 2025, 7:06 PM GMT

No link between Kohberger and victims: Police

Moscow police told reporters after court that they do not know which victim was the specific target.

"There was a reason that this particular house was chosen. What that reason is, we don't know," police added.

Asked if there was evidence that Bryan Kohberger was following the victims' social media, police said, "We've looked for a link and we have not found one."

Police said they do not have a motive.

Moscow police said they will release all police reports from the investigation.

Asked by reporters why prosecutors did not ask that Kohberger provide more answers as a part of the plea deal, prosecutor Bill Thompson responded, "The law does not give the court, or us, the power to require specific factual allocution."

"We could have said, 'Well, in order for us to move forward we want a factual allocution,'" Thompson said. "But I have to be perfectly candid -- I don't believe that there is anything that would come out of his mouth that would be the truth."

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Jul 23, 2025, 6:49 PM GMT

White House says nation grieves with families

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt opened Wednesday's press briefing by addressing the victims' families.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt opened Wednesday's press briefing by addressing the victims' families.

"We are so sorry for the grief and the pain you have experienced at the hands of such a vicious and evil killer. Our nation grieves with you, and we will never forget the precious souls who were lost in this horrific act of evil," Leavitt said.

Leavitt also reiterated President Donald Trump's message from earlier this week that he wants Kohberger to reveal a motive.

"If it were up to the president, he would have forced this monster to publicly explain why he chose to steal these innocent souls," Leavitt said.

ABCNews logo
Jul 23, 2025, 6:26 PM GMT

Kaylee Goncalves stabbed 34 times, family says

The Goncalves family told ABC News after court that "the details are more horrific than we can imagine."

They said Kaylee Goncalves was stabbed 34 times and someone else was stabbed more times.

Alivea Goncalves, sister of victim Kaylee Goncalves speaks at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.
Alivea Goncalves, sister of victim Kaylee Goncalves speaks at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.
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Jul 23, 2025, 6:20 PM GMT

Judge sentences Bryan Kohberger to life in prison

Judge Steven Hippler sentenced Bryan Kohberger to life in prison for murdering the four University of Idaho students in 2022.

Judge sentences Bryan Kohberger to life in prison for murdering 4 University of Idaho students

Judge Hippler sentenced Kohberger to 10 years for burglary and four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, along with $270,000 in fines and civil penalties.