Kohberger Sentenced to Life for Idaho Student Murders

Bryan Kohberger, a former Ph.D. criminology student, was sentenced to four consecutive life terms after pleading guilty to the 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at their off-campus home. The plea allowed Kohberger to avoid the death penalty and he waived his right to appeal. During sentencing, surviving roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke delivered emotional victim impact statements describing ongoing trauma, grief, and harassment from the media and public. Mortensen called Kohberger 'a hollow vessel,' while Funke expressed guilt for not realizing what was happening sooner. The families of the victims condemned Kohberger and mourned the loss, raising continued concerns about the motive behind the crime. The sentencing provided some closure, though many affected continue to struggle with the aftermath.