Bryan Kohberger trial: 'America's Most Wanted' host John Walsh tells parents of Idaho victims 'to be strong' and that they'll 'get justice'

John Walsh empathized with the parents of Bryan Kohberger's apparent victims and asked them to celebrate the lives of their children
PUBLISHED JAN 22, 2024
John Walsh offered guidance to the parents of Bryan Kohberger's apparent victims (FoxFlash/Getty Images)
John Walsh offered guidance to the parents of Bryan Kohberger's apparent victims (FoxFlash/Getty Images)

MOSCOW, IDAHO: As the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the accused in the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students, approaches, John Walsh, the renowned host of 'America's Most Wanted', who initiated the show after a kidnapper brutally killed his son in 1981, sent a message to the grieving parents. 

The 29-year-old former criminology PhD student is the sole suspect in the November 13, 2022, stabbings that claimed the lives of Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, in their off-campus home in Moscow

The University of Idaho to hold vigil for Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves (Instagram)
The University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves were brutally killed in an off-campus home (Instagram)

John Walsh offers guidance to grieving parents of murdered Idaho students

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 2:  John Walsh, host of TV show
John Walsh's son, Adam Walsh, was brutally killed in 1981 (Getty Images)

John, scheduled to make a comeback as the host of FOX's 'America's Most Wanted' on January 22, advised parents not to feel compelled to take extraordinary actions but rather to focus on navigating through the trial.

"They just have to get through the trial. And when the trial is done … I'm sure that they'll get justice. I truly believe it," stated the criminologist.

He urged the parents to remain "strong" during the challenging legal process. John added, "The main thing to do is celebrate the life of that child. I realize that the six and a half years I had Adam were some of the best of my life," as per FOX.

John Walsh reflects on the unbearable pain of losing a child to violence

NEW YORK - MARCH 04: John Walsh attends an ''America's Most Wanted'' event at The Paley Center for M
John Walsh empathized with the parents of the murdered Idaho students (Getty Images)

Reflecting on the pain of losing his son, Adam Walsh, John remarked, "It's the worst thing you can imagine, to be the parent of a murdered child. It's just unbearable. It breaks your heart in half. And you know what? You'll take that to your death. You never forget. There's no such thing as closure."

Expressing sympathy, he affirmed, "I pray for them because they will get through it in honor of their children. They will persevere and make sure that their children got justice."

Defendant Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order in Latah County District Court on June 9, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
Bryan Kohberger is the sole suspect in the stabbing deaths of the four University of Idaho students (Getty Images)

Kohberger, who faces charges related to the brutal stabbing deaths of the four University of Idaho students, has pleaded not guilty.

One of the main pieces of evidence linking him to the crime is the presence of his DNA on a knife sheath recovered from the off-campus property, as per the New York Post

His car was also linked to the crime scene as well as phone records show that he was allegedly stalking the victims' home prior to the cime. If convicted, Kohberger could face the death penalty.

MORE STORIES

Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said that the conditions during Tyler Robinson's arrest were relaxed and comfortable
Sep 18, 2025
DeCarlos Brown Jr, who is accused of fatally stabbing Iryna Zarutska, confessed the reason for the attack in a phone call from jail to his sister
Sep 11, 2025
The former Centerville Mayor is facing three class A felony murder charges, each carrying a minimum sentence of death or life imprisonment
Jun 1, 2024
In a recent interview, Oregon murder suspect Jesse Lee Calhoun's ex-girlfriend, Krista Sinor, recalled his fits of rage
May 19, 2024
Michael Francis described John-Paul Miller as someone who tried to buy love and expected something in return for his favors
May 19, 2024
Ryan Babcock has been indicted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment, and vandalism
May 19, 2024
A student at Kennesaw State University in Georgia was fatally shot by an armed intruder on May 18
May 19, 2024
Jaylin Brazier admitted he panicked and disposed of Zion Foster's body in a dumpster after she died suddenly while they were smoking marijuana
May 19, 2024
Devin Montgomery drew a firearm and discharged it several times at officers who were trying to engage him on May 16 at an apartment complex
May 19, 2024