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, 2:33 PM GMT

Kohberger's family visits him on eve of sentencing

New video shows Bryan Kohberger's family visiting him in custody on the eve of his sentencing.

Kohberger's parents attended his change of plea hearing on July 2, their first time in court with their son since his arrest in Pennsylvania more than two years ago. Attorneys for the Kohbergers said in a statement at the time, "The Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgment during this time. We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties."

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Jul 23, 2025, 12:43 PM GMT

Trump wants Kohberger to reveal a motive

President Donald Trump weighed in on the case on social media Monday, saying he thinks Bryan Kohberger should be required to reveal a motive.

"I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders," he wrote. "There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING. People were shocked that he was able to plea bargain, but the Judge should make him explain what happened."

The family of 21-year-old victim Kaylee Goncalves thanked Trump for "pushing for justice," saying in a statement to ABC News, "A confession without clarity does not bring peace."

"If the defendant is permitted to live, the bare minimum he owes us, and this country -- is an explanation," the family said.