In a major development in one of Idaho’s most closely followed criminal cases, Bryan Kohberger—the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022—has agreed to plead guilty. The plea deal will spare him the death penalty in exchange for four consecutive life sentences without parole. Here’s a clear timeline of how the case unfolded and what the plea deal means for the victims’ families and the broader community.
Bryan Kohberger Set to Plead Guilty in Shocking Idaho Homicide Case
BOISE, Idaho – A pivotal turn has come in the long-running University of Idaho homicide investigation. Bryan Kohberger, a former Ph.D. criminology student at Washington State University, is expected to plead guilty to the 2022 murders of four undergraduates when he returns to court Wednesday.
According to sources close to the case, Kohberger will accept a plea deal that includes four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. In return, he will waive all rights to appeal and avoid the death penalty.
A formal change of plea hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Boise’s Ada County Courthouse. If the judge approves the agreement, sentencing could take place before the end of July, bringing closure to a case that has captivated the nation.
The Night of the Killings
The rented off-campus home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, was known for being a social hub. A sign that read “Saturday is for the girls” could be seen through the window. It housed five University of Idaho students.
Among them were:
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Madison Mogen (21) – a senior marketing major
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Kaylee Goncalves (21) – her best friend, visiting that weekend
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Xana Kernodle (20) – a junior, also in marketing
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Two additional roommates, who survived
Ethan Chapin (20), Kernodle’s boyfriend, was staying overnight and became one of the four victims.
On the cold night of November 12, 2022, Mogen and Goncalves were seen at Corner Club and later at a downtown food truck. Meanwhile, Kernodle and Chapin returned from the Sigma Chi fraternity house, just 200 yards away.
Timeline of Events – November 13, 2022:
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4:00 a.m. – Suspect arrives at the residence
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4:00–4:17 a.m. – Estimated time of murders
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4:19 a.m. – Roommate tries calling victims
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4:22–4:24 a.m. – Surviving roommates text each other
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4:27 a.m. – Another attempt to call victims
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4:32 a.m. – Goncalves receives text: “Pls answer”
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10:23 a.m. – Additional unanswered messages
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11:39 a.m. – Roommate contacts her father
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12:00 p.m. – 911 call placed from roommate’s phone
Key Developments in the Investigation
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December 30, 2022 – Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania. DNA on a knife sheath and cellphone data placed him near the scene multiple times.
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January 4, 2023 – Kohberger was extradited to Idaho and booked into Latah County Jail.
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May 17, 2023 – A grand jury indicted Kohberger on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.
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May 22, 2023 – At his arraignment, Kohberger remained silent. The judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.
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June 26, 2023 – Prosecutors filed notice of intent to seek the death penalty.
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August 2023 – Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial to allow more time for his defense.
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June 30, 2025 – Kohberger agrees to a plea deal, avoiding a potential death sentence.
Terms of the Plea Deal
Kohberger will plead guilty to:
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Four counts of first-degree murder
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One count of felony burglary
In exchange:
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Prosecutors will recommend four consecutive life sentences without parole.
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Kohberger waives all appeal rights.
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According to a source, he may not need to explain the crime as part of the deal.
The deal is pending approval from Judge Steven Hippler, who will oversee the hearing set for July 2 at 11 a.m. MT.
Legal Expert Weighs In
Idaho defense attorney Edwina Elcox, who has tried cases before Judge Hippler, told Fox News Digital:
“By taking a plea deal, Bryan Kohberger has insulated himself from a sentence that would require his execution... Only a jury can sentence him to death.”
Elcox added that avoiding the death penalty—possibly by firing squad, given Idaho law—makes this “a good deal” for Kohberger, especially considering the overwhelming evidence.
Families React to the Plea Deal
Reactions among the victims’ families were mixed:
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Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, told NewsNation the deal is “anything but justice.” He praised law enforcement but blamed the court system for being “weak.”
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Kim Kernodle, Xana’s aunt, told TMZ the family was “vehemently opposed” to the idea of a plea deal when prosecutors approached them.
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The Chapin family, however, issued a statement supporting the plea bargain and confirmed they will be present at the hearing in Boise.
As the plea hearing approaches, Idaho prepares to close the chapter on a case that shocked the nation, devastated families, and reshaped a community forever.
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