A judge sentenced Bryan Kohberger to life in prison without parole Wednesday after admitting to killing four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home.
Kohberger, a 30-year-old graduate student, was sentenced for the 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, according to CNN. Judge Steven Hippler said that, by giving further attention to him, “we give him agency and we give him power.”
“Even if I could force him to speak, which legally I cannot, how could anyone ever be assured that what he speaks is the truth?” the judge asked, adding that he thinks “the time has now come to end Mr. Kohberger’s 15 minutes of fame.”
Friends and families of the victims spoke directly to Kohberger at his sentencing Wednesday. Their powerful, emotional statements shook the courtroom and, at times, applause broke out in support of the families that spoke out about the impact of Kohberger’s actions, according to CNN.
Alivea Goncalves, sister of Kaylee Goncalves addressed Kohberger. “You want the truth? Here’s the one you’ll hate the most: If you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep, in the middle of the night, like a pedophile, Kaylee would’ve kicked your fucking ass!” she said as applause filled the room.
MOSCOW, IDAHO – MAY 22: Bryan Kohberger is escorted out of the courtroom following his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. (Photo by Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images)
“The truth is, you’re basic,” Alivea told Kihberger.
“Let me be very clear: Don’t ever try to convince yourself you matter just because someone finally said your name out loud. I see through you,” she said.
Kristi Goncalves, Kaylee’s mother, told Kohberger, “your fellow inmates will be awaiting your arrival.” Reading a message written by her younger daughter, she said, “you may have received As in school but in prison you’ll be getting Big Ds.”
MOSCOW, IDAHO – MAY 22: Latah County Judge John C. Judge presides over an arraignment hearing for Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, May 22, 2023 in Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho.
(Photo by Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images)
Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, moved the lectern to directly face his daughter’s killer. “Today we are here to finish what you started,” he said.
He looked Kohberger straight in the eyes and said, “Police officers tell us within minutes they had your DNA. Like a calling card. You were that careless. That foolish. That stupid. Master degree? You’re a joke. Complete joke,” he said, according to CNN.
Ben Mogen, Madison Mogen’s father, bowed his head and issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “Maddie was my only child that I ever had. She was the only great thing I ever really did. And only thing I was ever really proud of.”
MOSCOW, IDAHO – MAY 22: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
(Photo by Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images)
Kohberger entered a guilty plea early in July, cementing a deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty.
He admitted to the gruesome murders and faced a life imprisonment on all four counts of first-degree murder as well as 10 years on a burglary charge, according to CNN.
Kohberger admitted to sneaking into the residence, stabbing all four victims with a knife before fleeing the scene. The motive for his attack is not known.