Outrage over Bryan Kohberger plea deal in Idaho murders case that will let him escape death penalty

MOSCOW, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of brutally killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, has been offered a plea deal that would spare him the death penalty.

Under the proposed agreement, Kohberger would plead guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, in exchange for life in prison without the possibility of parole and a full waiver of his right to appeal. A court hearing to finalize the plea is scheduled for Wednesday.

The development to one of the most closely watched murder cases in recent years has ignited a firestorm of outrage from the victims’ families and internet, who argue the accused killer is being allowed to sidestep justice by avoiding execution.

Bryan Kohberger’s plea deal leaves victims’ families stunned

Bryan Kohberger, 30 is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the brutal slayings of four University of Idaho students – Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, and Ethan Chapin – who were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022. 

News of a proposed plea deal has left the victims’ families stunned and outraged. 

In a public statement on social media, the Goncalves family expressed heartbreak and fury, writing, “It’s true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support. #heartbroken #kayleejade4ever."

One family member, speaking with NewsNation, said the deal felt like "all the power had been given back to Kohberger." 

The Goncalves family expressed deep frustration over the plea deal, accusing the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office of mishandling the process and rushing the agreement.

The family shared in a statement reported by CBS News, “They vaguely mentioned a possible plea on Friday, without seeking our input, and presented the plea on Sunday.” 

The statement continued, “Latah County should be ashamed of its Prosecutor’s Office. Four wonderful young people lost their lives, yet the victims’ families were treated as opponents from the outset." 

"That's how Latah County’s Prosecutor’s Office treats murder victims’ families. Adding insult to injury, they’re rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2," the statement added.

The family continued: “After more than two years, this is how it concludes with a secretive deal and a hurried effort to close the case without any input from the victims’ families on the plea’s details. Our family is frustrated right now and that will subside and we will come together as always and deal with the reality that we face moving forward."

Letter sent to victims’ families over Bryan Kohberger plea

In a letter sent to the victims’ families, prosecutors revealed that Kohberger’s legal team had reached out last week, requesting a potential plea offer. In response, prosecutors met with available family members, carefully considered the next steps, and ultimately extended a formal proposal to the defense, as per CBS News.

“This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,” the letter stated. Prosecutors emphasized that the plea deal would guarantee a conviction, ensure Kohberger remains in prison for the rest of his life, and spare the families the emotional toll and uncertainty of prolonged appeals and legal battles.

“This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction, appeals,” the letter continued.

“Your viewpoints weighed heavily in our decision-making process, and we hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice."

Internet furious over report of Bryan Kohberger’s plea deal

News of Bryan Kohberger’s plea deal has ignited a surge of reactions online, with many expressing outrage on Facebook, especially after one of the victims’ families publicly shared their deep frustration.. 

One user wrote, "You can speak to the court and express your disagreement with the plea. The judge doesn’t have to except the plea. The state really should take the victim’s wishes as strong consideration in cases such as these."

One Facebook user added, "I thought the victims families had to agree to a plea deal?"

A shocked person questioned, "I thought the victims families had to agree to a plea deal?" An X user expressed, "This is beyond disappointing."

An enraged user said, "This is absolutely devastating news, shame on you the state of Idaho! This is way out of left field! So heartbreaking and so heart broken for you all! So many prayers for peace, comfort, and closure!"

A commenter claimed, "Omg!!! What? He should not be able to choose life or death!!! I thought they asked the family if this is ok or not with them. Did this change?"

One individual wrote, "I have no words! 😭 This is absolutely devastating!!! I am soooo sorry this is happening! 😭 Praying for you all!!"

A user screamed by saying, "OMFGgggg!!! They should have asked the Family first before they handed Him a Plead!!!"

The last user declared, "So sorry! Injustice."

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