Four life sentences handed down in 2022 Moscow murders

Friends and families of victims deliver statements in July 23 sentencing hearing

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

After a sentencing hearing July 23 in Boise, the man who admitted murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022 will never see the outside of a jail cell, with four terms of life in prison with no chance of parole.

“The door will close behind him forever,” said Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, who served as part of the prosecution term in the case.

Bryan Kohberger, a 30-year-old former Washington State University graduate student, broke into a residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow in the early hours of Nov. 13, 2022 and stabbed to death Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20.

In addition to the four consecutive life prison terms, Judge Steven Hippler also handed down a 10-year fixed prison sentence and $50,000 fine for burglary and fines of $50,000 for each count of first-degree murder. 

Kohberger is able to file a notice of appeal within 42 days of sentencing, though waived his right to appeal and admitted guilt July 2 in a plea deal that avoided the death penalty while eliminating his option for parole.

“His actions have made him the worst of the worst,” Hippler said.

Following the lifting of a gag order in the case days before the July 23 sentencing, friends and relatives of the victims were given the opportunity to speak, providing victim impact statements to the court.

Relatives of the Goncalves, Mogen and Kernodle families were present. The courtroom was full, requiring an overflow room.

Dylan Mortensen, who was a roommate of the King Road residence and survived the attack, described subsequent panic attacks, exhaustion and general fear.

“He may have shattered parts of me, but I’m still putting myself back together,” she said.

Mogen’s father, stepfather and grandmother all spoke, as well as Mogen’s mother through an attorney. Concalves’ father, sister and mother also spoke, directly addressing Kohberger, who maintained eye contact but showed no emotion throughout.

“None of us are divided,” Steve Goncalves said, referring to disgust for Kohberger.

“I won’t offer you tears,” said older sister Alivea Concalves, who went on to call Kohberger a sociopath and psychopath, as well as other insults.

“Kaylee would have kicked your fucking ass,” she concluded, to which members of the audience applauded.

Kristi Concalves expressed disappointment that Kohberger won’t suffer the death penalty for the death of her daughter, but wished him harm in prison.

“Hell will be waiting,” she said.

Kernodle’s stepfather, Randy, told Kohberger, “You’re going to hell. There’s no place for you in heaven.”

Kohberger said he “respectfully” declined to make a statement during the July 23 sentencing, and has not given a motive for his crimes.

Many observers — including some of the victims’ family members — were upset about the plea deal to avoid the death penalty, and have called on Kohberger to be made to explain why he committed the murders.

“By continuing to focus on ‘why,’ we continue to give Mr. Kohberger relevance,” Hippler said during the sentencing.

“In my view, the time has now come to end Mr. Kohberger’s 15 minutes of fame,” he added.

Reporting by Anthony Kuipers, of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, serving as pool reporter in Boise.