Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty

Summary

**Summary of "Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty"
The King Road Killings: An Idaho Murder Mystery
Episode Release Date: July 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this pivotal episode of The King Road Killings: An Idaho Murder Mystery, ABC News Correspondent Kayna Whitworth delves into the unexpected development surrounding Bryan Kohberger, the criminology PhD student charged with the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students in the winter of 2022. This episode provides an in-depth look at Kohberger's decision to accept a plea deal, the courtroom dynamics, the emotional reactions of the victims' families, and the broader implications for the tight-knit community of Moscow, Idaho.

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Change of Plea Hearing: A Surprise Turn

More than two and a half years after the heinous murders on King Road, the legal saga takes an unforeseen turn. Initially slated for trial in August with up to 10,000 potential jurors and an expected duration of 12 weeks, the case was poised to answer pressing questions: Did Kohberger kill Maddie, Kaylee, Zanna, and Ethan? And why? However, in a dramatic shift, Bryon Kohberger decided to accept a plea deal.

Whitworth recounts the suddenness of the news:
"When I found out he'd agreed to plead guilty to all charges, I immediately texted my producer the news and we got on the first flight to Boise so we could be here for the change of plea hearing." (00:03)

The Boise courthouse was teeming with media, supporters, and onlookers hours before the hearing began, reflecting the high stakes and intense public interest in the case.

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Courtroom Proceedings: The Plea Unfolds

Judge Stephen Hippler presided over the hearing, opening with a stern admonition to the public:
"Stop lobbying him about the plea deal." (04:15)

He emphasized that external messages and voicemails had been disregarded, ensuring that the plea deal was considered without outside influence.

Kohberger's appearance was notably subdued. As he stood to acknowledge the charges, his attire appeared disheveled:
"His khaki pants were almost falling down." (04:49)

Judge Hippler conducted a thorough pre-plea inquiry to confirm Kohberger's understanding and voluntariness in accepting the plea. This included probing questions to rule out coercion or external pressures. Kohberger's responses were definitive:

• "No." when asked if he had been coerced or threatened (06:03)
• "Yes." when affirming that he was pleading guilty because he was guilty (06:21)

This marked Kohberger's first public admission of guilt, heightening the courtroom's tension.

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Acceptance of Guilty Plea: Formalizing the Charges

The judge meticulously outlined each charge, explicitly naming the victims for the first time during the hearing. As each count was presented, including one count of burglary and four counts of first-degree murder, Kohberger responded unequivocally:

• "Guilty." (08:43–09:17)

The declaration of guilt for each victim resonated deeply within the courtroom, eliciting visible emotional responses from the families, particularly Dylan Mortenson, one of the surviving roommates, who was seen sobbing as she exited the courtroom (09:18).

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Prosecutor's Case: Building the Argument

Prosecutor Bill Thompson detailed the state's evidence against Kohberger, emphasizing the strategic actions taken to conceal the crimes: "In Pennsylvania, the defendant's car was seized, and it was actually pretty much disassembled internally. And it also had been cleaned... They were spotless. Vince car had been meticulously cleaned inside... part of the defendant's plan." (07:43)

Thompson highlighted the significance of Kohberger's background in criminology, suggesting that his expertise may have been employed to orchestrate the murders and subsequent cover-up meticulously.

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Reactions from the Victims' Families: A Spectrum of Emotions

The plea deal has elicited a range of emotions among the victims' families:

1. Ethan Chapin's Family:
   Ethan's family expressed a sense of closure and gratitude for the legal proceedings:
   "We are grateful... the plea has finally given us closure." (11:00)

2. Maddie Mogen's Family:
   Maddie's mother and stepfather conveyed appreciation for the prosecution and judiciary, acknowledging the challenging nature of the case:
   "We appreciate the difficult work you have done to balance the rights of all involved and to uphold the rule of law... We send our love and gratitude to the many family and friends who have supported us." (11:41)

3. Zanna Kernodle's Family:
   In contrast, Zanna's father, Jeff, expressed disappointment:
   "I'm disappointed in the prosecutor's decision." (12:02)

4. Kaylee Gonzalves' Family:
   Kaylee's parents were particularly vocal and distraught, with her father, Steve, describing the plea deal as:
   "A deal with the devil." (12:02)
   Both Steve and Christy Gonzalves felt that justice had been compromised:
   "We felt like we'd let Kaylee down." (12:50)

These varied reactions underscore the complex and deeply personal impact of the plea deal on each family.

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Conclusion: Moving Forward Amid Contention

As the hearing concluded, the focus shifts to the upcoming sentencing on July 23rd, where the victims' families will have the opportunity to speak. The judge maintained a gag order to ensure that discussions remain confined to official channels until sentencing.

Whitworth anticipates continued coverage:
"We'll be back in your feed later in July." (12:02)

The episode highlights the intricate balance between legal strategies and the pursuit of justice, especially in cases that captivate and divide public opinion. The community of Moscow, Idaho, remains grappling with the aftermath, as the narrative of the King Road killings evolves toward its conclusion.

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Key Takeaways:

• Unexpected Plea Deal: Bryan Kohberger's decision to plead guilty before the scheduled trial significantly alters the legal landscape of the case.
• Emotional Impact: The plea deal has had a profound emotional effect on the victims' families, eliciting both relief and disappointment.
• Legal Implications: The acceptance of the plea deal brings an end to the immediate trial process but leaves some questions unanswered, particularly regarding full confession and the location of the murder weapon.
• Community Response: The tight-knit community of Moscow faces a mix of closure and unresolved tensions as they process the outcome of the plea deal.

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Transcript

[Kana Whitworth]

It's Kana Whitworth. More than two and a half years after the four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death in an off campus home, a case that captured the nation's attention, it's finally nearing a close. The defendant, who was set to go on trial next month for the murder of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Zanna Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, has accepted a plea deal on this bonus episode of the King Road killings. Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty. On Wednesday morning, the judge, attorneys for both sides, Bryan Kohberger, his family, the victims families, media and curious spectators gathered in a Boise courthouse for a change of plea hearing. I had not expected to be in this courtroom until early August when jury selection was set to begin. Up to 10,000 potential jurors would be filling out the jury questionnaire. The trial was set to last 12 weeks and might have answered the biggest questions on everyone's mind. Did Kohberger kill Maddie, Kaylee, Zanna and Ethan? And why? We're over two years into this legal battle and every step has been contentious. The prosecution was seeking the death penalty, and for Kohberger, the stakes could have been higher. But in a stunning turn of events, on Monday evening news broke that Kohberger had accepted a plea deal. He would plead guilty to all four counts of first degree murder and one count of burglary. As part of his plea deal, he'd be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for the murder charges and the maximum penalty of 10 years for the burglary charge. Without the possibility of parole or appeal, he would spend life in prison but be spared the death penalty. Idaho had just passed legislation earlier this year making death by firing squad the main means of execution. Coburger's plea deal came as a total shock. From the very beginning, Kohberger's defense had long insisted he was innocent. I first got word over the weekend that a plea deal between the prosecution and the defense was in the works, but was given no indication whether Kohberger was actually going to take it. We all assumed everyone would be moving forward with the trial in August. When I found out he'd agreed to plead guilty to all charges, I immediately texted my producer the news and we got on the first flight to Boise so we could be here for the change of plea hearing. People began lining up to get inside the courthouse at 4am the sun hadn't even risen yet and security was unusually tight. When the building doors opened, there was a lot of security. Inside. The crowd of media, supporters and onlookers made their way into the courtroom. We passed court officials asking everyone to maintain decorum, to keep any strong feelings to themselves, and to not interact with anyone on the other side of the aisle. Around noon, the families of the victims started arriving. Dylan Mortenson, one of the surviving roommates, was also present. On the other side of the aisle were Brian Coburger's parents. His mom and dad sat just feet away from the defense team. And then Kohberger himself was finally escorted into the room. He was wearing a light gray button down, a gray tie, and khaki slacks. He greeted his defense team and his parents with a smile and took a seat. And then Judge Stephen Hippler began the hearing.

[Bryan Kohberger]

All right.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

We are here today to entertain a change of plea. Before I start, I want to address some issues of concern.

[Kana Whitworth]

Judge Hippler had a stern warning to those assembled and the thousands streaming online, Stop lobbying him about the plea deal.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

I have not read any of the numerous messages nor listened to any of the numerous voicemails that have been sent to me and my staff. Those have all been forward to security and, where appropriate, to law enforcement. I ask that you not continue to mount such campaigns or to send me information like this because, again, it is not appropriate and, frankly, not something I would take into account.

[Kana Whitworth]

The judge also apologized to the families for the short notice of the hearing. He said he only found out about the plea deal Monday afternoon. Like everyone else, he moved on to lay out the basis of the agreement. The reason why we were in this Boise courthouse today. Judge Hippler questioned Kohberger, asking if he understood the charges against him. Kohberger abruptly stood up and gave an emphatic yes. In that moment, you could clearly see just how thin he's become. His khaki pants were almost falling down.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

And Mr. Kohberg, just to make it easier, you don't need to stand when you speak to me. I appreciate the sign of respect, but for convenience, you can remain seated. All right.

[Kana Whitworth]

The judge then asked him a series of questions to make sure he was making the decision voluntarily and that he understood the severity of what he was agreeing to. The judge asked Kohberger if he'd been coerced in any way, if he was under the influence, if he was of sound mind.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

Has anyone promised you that I would be lenient or easy on you if you pled guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

No.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

Has anyone threatened you or anyone close to you to get you to plead guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

No.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

Has anyone other than the state's agreements with respect to the plea agreement, has anyone promised you Anything in exchange for your plea agreement?

[Bryan Kohberger]

No.

[Kana Whitworth]

And finally, the judge asked the big question.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

Yes.

[Kana Whitworth]

It's the very first admission of guilt we heard from Bryan Kohberger. You could feel the tension in the room. I was afraid to even breathe. The judge went on to fully list each charge, starting with the one count of burglary and with each murder charge thereafter. Judge Hippler said the names of every victim for the first time in this hearing. Kohberger's father shook his head and turned red as the judge read the crimes the State alleged, including, quote, willfully, unlawfully, deliberately, with premeditation and malice aforethought, kill and murder. The judge gave the floor to lead prosecutor Bill Thompson, who laid out the timeline they had built against Kohberger and the order in which the four victims were killed. Maddy, Kaylee, Zanna, then Ethan. Kohberger didn't take his eyes off Thompson. The prosecutor described evidence the State was planning to present. The DNA, the phone pings off cell towers, even the cleanliness of Kohberger's car.

[Bill Thompson]

In Pennsylvania, the defendant's car was seized, and it was actually pretty much disassembled internally. And it also had been cleaned. There was a bucket of clean. And right beside it. I think we can all look to our own cars, you know, in those compartments in the doors, we try to keep them clean. Where you put stuff, there's always some degree of crud in there. They were spotless. Vince car had been meticulously cleaned inside. And the state would present to the jury that that was part of the defendant's plan.

[Kana Whitworth]

In covering up this, Thompson reminded the court that Kohberger had studied how to process crime scenes as a grad student in criminology. And then the key moment of the hearing arrived. It was time for Kohberger to enter his guilty plea. Judge Hippler walked him through each of the charges and directed him to respond.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

With respect to count one, burglary felony, how do you plead, Mr. Kohlberger, guilty or not guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

Guilty.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

As to count two, murder in the first degree, as it relates to the murder of Madison Mogan, how do you plead, guilty or not guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

Guilty.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

As to count three, as it relates to murder in the first degree, for the murder of Kaylee Gonsalves, how do you plead, guilty or not guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

Guilty.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

As to count four, the first degree murder of Zanna Kernodle. Pardon me, a human being, how do you plead, guilty or not guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

Guilty.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

As to count five, the first degree murder of Ethan Chapin, a human being. How do you plead? Guilty or not guilty?

[Bryan Kohberger]

Guilty.

[Kana Whitworth]

As each victim's name cut through the courtroom and the conviction in Kohberger's answers, it prompted tears from their families. As the hearing ended, Dylan Mortenson, one of the roommates who lived in the house, the one who told authorities she saw a man clad in black that night, sobbed. And as she left the courtroom.

[Nicole Byer]

Do you worry about how much someone drinks?

[Kana Whitworth]

Do you feel angry or depressed most of the time? Do you feel neglected or unloved?

[Bryan Kohberger]

Do you feel that if the drinker loved you, she or he would stop drinking?

[Kana Whitworth]

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone.

[Nicole Byer]

Not everyone trapped by alcohol is an alcoholic.

[Bryan Kohberger]

Families and friends are suffering, too. Al Anon and Alatein can help. Call 1-866-200-0223 or visit al anon.org help.

[Nicole Byer]

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[Family Representative]

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[Kana Whitworth]

The plea deal has prompted a mixed reaction from the families. Ethan Chapin's family released a statement Tuesday saying they planned to be at the courthouse in support of the agreement. When I spoke to them before the plea was announced, they were worried that Ethan's character would get lost in the trial, that he'd be treated as just another victim. They're ready to move on and are dedicated to keeping Ethan's memory alive. The attorney for Maddie Moken's mother and stepfather read a statement after the hearing saying they were grateful to the prosecutors and judges for their diligence and thoughtfulness in handling the case.

[Family Representative]

We appreciate the difficult work you have done to balance the rights of all involved and to uphold the rule of law. You have had our prayers and support throughout this case. We send our love and gratitude to the many family and friends who have supported us, cared for us, and helped us to heal our open emotional wounds.

[Kana Whitworth]

They ended their statement saying the plea has finally given them closure, but for the other two families, they're very disappointed with the outcome. Zanna Kernodle's father, Jeff, told the New York Times, quote, after nearly three years of waiting and being told there would be a trial with evidence presented to convict him. I'm disappointed in the prosecutor's decision. And the family of Kaylee Gonzalves is furious, and they've been vocal about it. Her father, Steve, describes the plea deal as, quote, a deal with the devil. And outside the courthouse, both Steve and Christy said they felt like they'd let Kaylee down.

[Judge Stephen Hippler]

We let her down. I let my daughter down with trusting in his.

[Kana Whitworth]

As bad as you could possibly imagine. The family is extremely frustrated that Bryan Kohberger won't be put on trial. They believe they were cheated out of any real justice. They wanted the plea deal amended. They wanted a full confession from Brian Kohberger and the location of the murder weapon, which has never been found. The victims families will all have the opportunity to make statements at Kohberger's sentencing hearing scheduled for July 23rd. It could continue into the 24th. The judge has left the gag order in place, at least through sentencing. So we'll be back in your feed later in July. The King Road Killings is a production of ABC Audio. I'm Kaina Whitworth, and thanks for listening.