Mother of Idaho Victim Forgives Killer After Incarceration

Cara Northington, mother of Xana Kernodle, one of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger, has publicly forgiven Kohberger, stating, "I don’t hate Bryan Kohberger." Northington’s journey to forgiveness was shaped by her 10-month incarceration for a probation violation shortly after her daughter's death, during which she overcame a 30-year drug addiction through rediscovering her Christian faith. She described her daughter as a "beautiful soul" who "lit up a room" and expressed that Kohberger remains "made in God’s image," signaling her release of hatred and fear towards him. Kohberger pleaded guilty and was sentenced in July 2025 to four consecutive life terms without parole for the murders of Kernodle and her three friends. Northington shared her story during a "Journey of Forgiveness" event at Altar Church in Coeur d’Alene, emphasizing that her faith and sobriety brought her joy and the strength to forgive. Despite the trauma and personal struggles, she is moving forward, no longer allowing Kohberger to occupy her thoughts.