Kohberger Pleads Guilty, Avoids Death Penalty

Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students in November 2022. In exchange for dropping the death penalty, he will receive four consecutive life sentences without parole and has waived his right to appeal. Prosecutors initially pursued capital punishment, citing the 'heinous, atrocious or cruel manner' of the crimes, but defense arguments over death penalty procedures and appeals led to the plea agreement. The plea deal was confirmed to victims' families and provoked strong criticism from Kaylee Goncalves's relatives, who expressed outrage at the justice system. Kohberger was arrested in December 2022 in Pennsylvania after a lengthy investigation and extradited to Idaho. The formal plea hearing is scheduled for July 2, replacing a trial that had been set for August.