Bryan Kohberger gets four life sentences for killing Idaho students

An Idaho judge sentenced Bryan Kohberger to serve four consecutive life terms in prison without the chance of parole for fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in 2022. Kohberger pleaded guilty to murdering Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves weeks prior in exchange for prosecutors dropping the death penalty. Kohberger’s plea deal also removed his right to appeal his sentencing and avoided going to trial next month. Idaho Judge Steven Hippler said he tried but failed to find anything redeeming about Kohberger after such gruesome violence. Even in pleading guilty, he showed no hint of remorse or even regret for the pain that he caused, Hippler said before handing down the sentence.

What did Kogberger have to say at the sentencing? The 30-year-old declined to address the court during the Wednesday hearing. Victims’ families addressed the court before sentencing, along with the two roommates who survived the attack. The sentencing came about a week after Hippler removed the gag order that stopped people involved in the case from speaking publicly.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s previous report for more about Kohberger’s plea deal.