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, 4:14 PM GMT

Kaylee Goncalves' sister, Alivea Goncalves, matched her father's angry tone in her testimony

She said she didn't immediately cry when she first heard about her sister's death - she listened to the details of her final night.

"I'm angry every day" she said.

Alivea Goncalves said her sister and Maddie Mogen had "always known her love," she said, and would never ask her to prove it by further victimizing herself by showing vulnerability to Kohberger now.

"I won't offer you tears, I won't offer you trembling. Disappointments like you feed on fear," she said.

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Jul 23, 2025, 4:14 PM GMT

Goncalves' heated testimony emphasized how quickly police were able to find Kohberger

"You were that careless, that foolish, that stupid," he said, noting investigators had his DNA right away.

He taunted Kohberger and referenced Kohberger's degree in criminal justice.

"Master's degree? You're a joke - a complete joke."

He said Kohberger would die nameless, while the world would remember the legacy of the four victims.

"You picked the wrong family, and we're laughing at you on your way to the pen," he said.

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Jul 23, 2025, 4:07 PM GMT

Kaylee Goncalves' dad, Steve Goncalves, was first to speak to Kohberger directly during testimony

"Today we are here to finish what you started," Goncalves said.

Kohberger nodded subtly in response.

"You tried to break our community apart, you tried to plant fear, you tried to divide us. You failed," he said sharply.

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Jul 23, 2025, 4:02 PM GMT

Maddie Mogen's dad reads her last Father's Day card

Maddie Mogen's dad, Ben Mogen, was choked up in court as he said, "Maddie was my only child. ... I thought we would have the rest of our lives together to be together and know each other, and I really took her for granted."

Benjamin Mogen, father of Madison Mogen speaks at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.
Benjamin Mogen, father of Madison Mogen speaks at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho.

"Karen and Scottie did such a great job raising her after Karen and I split up, and I'm so thankful for Scottie and the role he played in her life when I wasn't able to," he said, recalling his battle with addiction. "But we got to spend a lot of great times together, Maddie and I. She was my favorite person to go to a concert with."

Mogen read in court the last thing Maddie wrote to him -- a Father's Day card: "I hope you have the best day, I can't wait 'til we can hang out again soon. ... I love the birthday card you sent me, by the way. ... I hope you're doing well. I'm proud of how far you've come. Thank you for always encouraging me to do my best. Love you lots and lots."

"I'm so glad I still have it," he said of the card.