The Associated Press (“AP News”) reports that Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students as part of a deal to avoid the death penalty. An attorney representing the family of one of the murdered students, Kaylee Goncalves, confirmed yesterday (6/30/2025) that prosecutors informed the victims’ families about the plea deal and that the families were highly upset with the State of Idaho.
BACKGROUND
Bryan Kohberger (30) is accused in the stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, Idaho, early on November 13, 2022. Autopsies revealed that all four were likely asleep when they were stabbed multiple times, with some having defensive wounds.
At the time, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, located roughly nine miles west of the University of Idaho. He was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, weeks later. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene.
The AP News article may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, on the one hand, a now-admitted mass murderer will remain incarcerated for life, appeals will be ended, and the opportunity for Christ to work in and through Kohberger is extended. On the other hand, the grieving families of the four murdered students are, understandably, frustrated with the State of Idaho prosecutors and the justice system in general, as their loved ones lost their futures, yet Kohberger will, presumably, live his full life (albeit in prison).
What this writer can say with assurance, is that the Lord uses and turns even the tragic things in life for His glory and for our own good – despite the circumstances. Our God is an awesome God! We can fully trust in the love of Christ to bind up our wounds and bring a peace beyond our understanding, because God is good and His mercy endures forever!
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
What the Evil One Meant for Our Harm, God Turns for Our Good
“But as for you [Joseph’s brothers], you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible)
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Psalm 147:3 (NKJV)
“He heals the brokenhearted [a]nd binds up their wounds.”
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV)
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
