PLEA DEAL REACHED - 4 Univ of Idaho Students Murdered, Bryan Kohberger Arrested, Moscow, Nov 2022 #110

[vls12345]

The plea deal seems like the correct answer. Jmo.

So many lives have been forever impacted for the worse. A plea deal will be the quickest & surest way for BK to (eventually) move into general oblivion.

For a couple of years, people have said he should just admit what he did. Etc. And now it seems that he will. And people are angry that he's going to admit his guilt. (Regardless of his motivation to do so, he is planning to admit his guilt in full & accept his punishment.) It feels like a lot of whiplash since the plea deal news has been revealed.

I feel for everyone who has been victimized by these horrific murders. It's awful. Whether he had faced a firing squad or rots in prison until he dies, the victims will always have scars & carry wounds in their hearts. Wishing them peace in spite of the wounds they will forever carry. And I'm also hoping the SM circus fizzles out soon before someone else gets hurt; people can be nuts.

Jmo.

 

[PunishThenForgive]

What will happen? A 2009 study published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, “Do Executions Lower Homicide Rates?: The Views of Leading Criminologists,” found that an overwhelming majority of leading criminologists in the U.S. do not believe the death penalty deters murder. The study found that 88% did not believe that the death penalty is a proven deterrent to homicide and that 87% believe that abolition of the death penalty would not have any significant effect on murder rates.

I was specifically referring to the death penalty being a bargaining tool so that, as in the Kohberger and Watts cases, it is more likely that a murderer will admit what he did to save his own skin.

I understand the arguments against capital punishment and am against it in theory, but I don't think BK would have agreed to plead guilty without it.

The world isn't black and white, nor is it perfect, as the families of Kaylee, Xana, Ethan and Maddie are well aware.

IMO

 

[AngTxGal]

Some folks call it institutionalization.

Yeah, I don’t think Kohberger is the type to find prison a source of comfort.
Maybe I’m wrong- but I see him as a target. He thinks he is superior intellectually as compared to others, yet he was caught. He thinks he is in control, and he will find out he is not.

I can’t see him thriving in prison, he doesn’t have the charisma to lead, or blend. He is a loner, full of himself, and also full of insecurities.

IMO

 

[Jw192]

Getting a tad spicy all up in here.

We're all here because we follow true crime and I would like to think that we are all in support of both the victims and a defendants right to a fair trial. This includes in many cases, following from beginning of a crime, through investigation, throughout trial (or any court/plea hearings) and any information beyond a verdict. That's what we do here. To shame people for expecting a trial two years in the making, right before jury selection is kinda naff imo. Nobody is saying that we "deserve" a trial, but we were mere weeks from a huge one that we have all been following for over 2 years, which suddenly turned into a plea deal at the last moment. We're surprised is all. No need to slam on people when we're all a member of websleuths for very similar reasons - because WE CARE.

Imo ofc

 

[fcavanaugh]

So for 2.5 years Kohberger, knowing he was guilty as charged, sat there during court proceedings like an expressionless proverbial lump on a log and watched all the ‘drama’ of court proceedings play out, draining the state’s resources, watching his Attorney stumble and fumble during some arguments, was willing to throw innocent people under the bus (alternative perp proffer), wanted trial delayed etc, etc, and seemingly wasn’t until he found out the alt perp didn’t fly with the Judge and Judge also wouldn’t delay trial beyond one week, decided to try and negotiate with the state. IOW, not until he knew he was out of options and couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer, decided to ask for a plea agreement.

Believe me I’m glad his plea of guilty was accepted by the state and if Judge accepts his guilty plea and gets sentenced to LWOP,
I really wish there could be more restrictions placed on serious offenders such as this creature BK serving LWOP admitted guilt or not, as it’s my belief that someone who premeditated and savagely, viciously slaughtered 4 innocents in cold blood does not deserve to enjoy some of the ‘perks’ of LWOP sentence.
IMO the system needs needs to come up with another level of LWOP sentence with restrictions for serious offenders of crimes this heinous who were once eligible for the DP but either pled out for LWOP and/or Jury didn’t convict on DP opting to sentence to LWOP instead.

Besides the heinous crime BK committed against 4 innocent college students, what an absolute diabolical miserable person seeing if he could get away with alt perp proffer potentially putting innocent people under the microscope, trauma it would cause them and their families’, and potentially sent to prison and death for a crime that he committed. Absolute monster. Thank God Judge Hippler shot it all down and is overseeing this case and for the sound decisions/rulings he’s made throughout the proceedings which imo left no choice, forced BK into asking for a plea. The writing was on the wall and BK finally accepted (or was talked into asking for a plea by his Attorneys and/or family) that this Judge was not playing around.
IMO this Judge, Judge Hippler, has been a hero so far in this case. Waiting with bated breath to see how he rules at tomorrow’s hearing.

My thoughts are with the victims families’ as they grapple with and try to come to terms with the recent development. I understand all of the different families’ wishes and don’t judge a single one of them as I thankfully have never walked in their shoes. And though some families will likely not accept the court/Judge Hippler’s ruling regarding BK’s plea bargain, my hope is that with time, they’ll be able to move forward with some sense of peace that this monster won’t ever be out in the free world and able to steal another child’s or anyone’s life from them ever again.

IMHOO

#JusticeforKaylee,Maddie,Xana, and Ethan

 

[Miss Poovy]

Yeah, I don’t think Kohberger is the type to find prison a source of comfort.
Maybe I’m wrong- but I see him as a target. He thinks he is superior intellectually as compared to others, yet he was caught. He thinks he is in control, and he will find out he is not.

I can’t see him thriving in prison, he doesn’t have the charisma to lead, or blend. He is a loner, full of himself, and also full of insecurities.

IMO

I don’t think he’s going to be a superstar or anything like that. I have been pleasantly surprised that some prisoners with higher education are willing to either teach or help other prisoners with their cases. Will BK write snotty notes on their papers or will the consequences be too severe?

I also agree there’s not a winning solution, DP or LWOP. If the prisoner of these brutal cases wants attention, they will find it.

 

[rogue ant]

Soooo... he was not out to see the moon and the stars? Awkward.

 

[AngTxGal]

What will happen? A 2009 study published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, “Do Executions Lower Homicide Rates?: The Views of Leading Criminologists,” found that an overwhelming majority of leading criminologists in the U.S. do not believe the death penalty deters murder. The study found that 88% did not believe that the death penalty is a proven deterrent to homicide and that 87% believe that abolition of the death penalty would not have any significant effect on murder rates.

The death penalty isn’t a deterrent because it takes decades before it is carried out.
If the death penalty was carried out as a hanging in the public square we would be in a different world, a world that we were in about 150 years ago not far from where I live.

I’m not an advocate for the death penalty- because I know the system is often stacked and due process, representation, and a fair trial are not the norm for many. On the flip side- there are people who do not get life in prison for murder and serve their time only to be freed and kill again.

The families and citizens of Idaho had a reasonable expectation that the death penalty was an option.
Chad Daybell now sits on death row in Idaho- why not Kohberger?

Anyone following this case should clearly feel confused by the plea offer given to Kohberger.
It isn’t because we are absent a moral compass- it is because a guy just was given the death penalty in this same state- one year ago.

IMO

 

[Deleted member 291279]

The victims: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin - stabbed to death at an off campus rental home some time around [approximately] 4:00 am to 4:25 am MT on November 13, 2022.

On December 30, 2022, BK was arrested.
Since his arrest BK has maintained his innocence.

In May 2023, BK refused to enter a plea during his arraignment. His attorney stated that BK was “standing silent”on the charges. The judge entered a ‘not guilty plea on behalf of BK.


On June 26, 2023, the state of ID announced their intent to seek the death penalty against BK given the aggravating circumstances of the 1st degree murder and BK was also denied bond.

On April 10, 2024, during a court hearing defense attorney made a bold statement they firmly believe their client is innocent.
[Later it was reported that prosecuting attorney BT slammed AT’s defense strategy and said she appeared to be tainting the jury pool.]


On June 30, 2025, shocking news: BK entered into a deal to plead guilty to all counts against him and would be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences, avoiding the death penalty. In addition, he gives up his right to any future appeals, which guarantees he remains in prison for the rest of his life.

So why would the state offer a deal now?

A few thoughts...
No university wants this type of attention on their school. I suspect it’s hurt enrollment since 2022.
Would the state be able to get a good jury who understands BARD and convict?
High profile cases have a way of attaching strange ones and those that see an opportunity for financial gain rather than to seek justice and/or more importantly truth.
There are paid PR companies willing to pay people to advocate for the accused.
Jury nullification is real


As for BK, this works for him because...

Manipulation at its finest.
He gets to have the last word.
Controls the narrative.
Coward afraid to die.
Narcissist likes to be in charge.

As for AT, she will collect her pay, over one million but she’s earned it. If the judge agrees to the plea deal she will walk away and be done with BK, lucky her. Did she have nightmares caused by this creep? I certainly dont recall her sitting next to him since the beginning. Credit to her as she had a very high profile case and could have made more out of it, more money, brought more attention to the case, but she remained professional and did her job as a defense attorney. Something to admire, imo. Credit to the defense team.

In my opinion the offer of a deal is best decision because this is a high profile case, the trial would be long [approx. three months] and that alone is risky. It’s actually a blessing in disguise. BK can rot in prison.

However, Judge Hippler, is a terrific and reasonable judge and the state of ID fortunate to have him preside over any case.

My own opinion


Maddie, Kaylee, Xana and Ethan lives mattered.

I totally agree with you, however, Coward afraid to die.

Prison vs. Death Row… and BK may seek Infamy

What we haven’t digested is what his life would be like. He is a criminology student who studied killers.

How many criminology students will now want to study BK?
What thrill will he get out of being a chapter in a book?
What thrills will he get from filling out the same surveys he sent to killers?

Maybe he thought he would not be caught so quickly, or ever?
Maybe he sees himself as special because of the four victims, stabbing is intimate, and that he broke into the safe place- their home?

He will become the studied killer, and while he is behind bars he may enjoy that.

If a killer commits a crime for infamy, maybe that infamy should be taken away from them? Maybe he should fade away without contact with the public, surveys, letters, fan mail, penpals??
To this kind of mind that may be the worst kind of hell? And is that cruel and unusual punishment? Not in my opinion

No Infamy For Killers Law
Maybe that is what the families should seek- Make a new law that cuts killers off from the public so they can’t enjoy the infamy they seek.
The victims’ families, and the survivors deserve the ability to move forward without seeing this killer around every corner for the rest of their lives.

IMO

Why concern yourself with issues over which you have no control? Make a new law that cuts killers off from the public so they can’t enjoy the infamy they seek. While some states have laws (often called "Son of Sam" laws) aiming to prevent criminals from profiting from the publicity of their crimes, these laws have faced legal challenges based on the First Amendment and have been struck down or modified due to concerns about restricting free speech.

 

[Vaderman]

Look, defendants have rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution. These families deserve to hear the truth from his mouth. They may think they deserve it, but in fact, they don't. If I were a family member I would certainly want to hear the truth from his mouth, however, family members may think they deserve it, but in fact, they don't, at least not from the court system.

I don't think anything he could possibly say would be satisfying. Personally, I'd rather not listen to whatever misogynistic bile he may spew for his reason behind the murder. Just one word is necessary from him: "Guilty"

 

[minazoe]

<modsnip - quoted post was removed>

The idea that Bryan Kohberger will be respected or treated well in prison shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how prisons actually work.

Prison has a strict social order. Respect isn’t earned through media coverage, IQ scores, or academic credentials—it’s built on gang affiliation, reputation, and internal influence. Unless you hold power in that system, you’re at the bottom. Kohberger has no gang ties, no reputation, and no support inside. He’s not connected, feared, or respected. He’s a liability.

Some people seem convinced that Kohberger will somehow stand out in prison because he’s educated, quiet, and doesn’t “look” like the stereotypical inmate. But that’s part of the problem. His race, academic background, and soft-spoken image have led many to overestimate him—and in some cases, even sympathize with him—despite the brutality of his alleged actions. If he didn’t present as clean-cut or middle class, public perception would likely be much harsher.

Inside prison, none of that matters. Inmates don’t care how many groupies you have or how “famous” your case is. They don’t admire killers for being calculated, quiet, or book smart. They see right through that act. They’ll see Kohberger for what he is: a coward who killed in the dark, locked away in PC, written off before he even hits the yard.

Not all violent offenders are treated the same in prison. Many inmates have their own code. They certainly don’t respect people who kill innocent victims just for fantasy. Survival, retaliation, or impulsive decisions are more relatable. Kohberger’s crime doesn’t fit that mold—and it won’t earn him any respect, either.

Robert Pickton was murdered in prison. Jeffrey Dahmer was beaten to death. Richard Loeb, educated and wealthy, met his maker via straight razor. Kohberger has far less status, and his name won’t protect him.

He brings nothing to the table—no power, no respect, no usefulness. The idea that inmates will seek out his legal advice is far-fetched. Most won’t trust him. Many won’t even want to be seen speaking to him.

That’s why he’ll likely be kept in protective custody—not out of importance, but out of necessity. Inmates in PC are often viewed as weak or disposable. It’s not a step up—it’s the graveyard tier.

Kohberger won’t be respected. He won’t be feared.
He won’t be a presence.
To the inmates, he’ll just be another goof.

And that’s not a wish for street justice, or some personal fantasy to feel better.
It’s the cold, hard truth.

Brilliant writing, thank you. mOO

 

[Cedars]

we're all a member of websleuths for very similar reasons - because WE CARE.

For me, what I care most about is solving crimes. BK didn't believe he would be caught, but he was. He may have hoped he could get off as not guilty, but no longer.

Guilty plea, bam, case solved and the good guys won. Congrats to them all.
.
As to how to heal from loss, that is not my expertise. But I believe in it, and wish it for all. It is the nature of life to go on. Inevitably, life goes on and we will all be left behind soon enough.

 

[bestill]

Soooo... he was not out to see the moon and the stars? Awkward.

Nor did his "defense attorney firmly believe their client is innocent".

 

[MrsPC]

Just my 2 cents, but I have a feeling his family may have *finally* convinced him to plead guilty.

 

[Cedars]

Make a new law that cuts killers off from the public so they can’t enjoy the infamy they seek. While some states have laws (often called "Son of Sam" laws) aiming to prevent criminals from profiting from the publicity of their crimes, these laws have faced legal challenges based on the First Amendment and have been struck down or modified due to concerns about restricting free speech.

I don't think it's the killers who are profiting off their notoriety. There's a whole industry around it - news media, social media...(websleuths). It's what people want, though as usual with humans, there's some things seem to go overboard.

JMO

 

[PunishThenForgive]

The death penalty isn’t a deterrent because it takes decades before it is carried out.
If the death penalty was carried out as a hanging in the public square we would be in a different world, a world that we were in about 150 years ago not far from where I live.

I’m not an advocate for the death penalty- because I know the system is often stacked and due process, representation, and a fair trial are not the norm for many. On the flip side- there are people who do not get life in prison for murder and serve their time only to be freed and kill again.

The families and citizens of Idaho had a reasonable expectation that the death penalty was an option.
Chad Daybell now sits on death row in Idaho- why not Kohberger?

Anyone following this case should clearly feel confused by the plea offer given to Kohberger.
It isn’t because we are absent a moral compass- it is because a guy just was given the death penalty in this same state- one year ago.

IMO

Chad Daybell didn't have a fan club, nor did he have a particularly "zealous" advocate for a defense attorney, IMO. Heck, Daybell's partner in crime, Lori, didn't even face the death penalty. As you implied, it's a crap shoot whether one defendant or another will receive the "ultimate" sentence, which is one of its problems.

IMO

 

[Jw192]

Nor did his "defense attorney firmly believe their client is innocent".

She done her job to the best of her ability and then some tbh so I take my hat off to the lady.
Despite being frustrated at times with her actions, if ever I ended up in swampy water, I'd want someone as hardy as AT in my corner for sure

 

[pittsburghgirl]

The death penalty isn’t a deterrent because it takes decades before it is carried out.
If the death penalty was carried out as a hanging in the public square we would be in a different world, a world that we were in about 150 years ago not far from where I live.

I’m not an advocate for the death penalty- because I know the system is often stacked and due process, representation, and a fair trial are not the norm for many. On the flip side- there are people who do not get life in prison for murder and serve their time only to be freed and kill again.

The families and citizens of Idaho had a reasonable expectation that the death penalty was an option.
Chad Daybell now sits on death row in Idaho- why not Kohberger?

Anyone following this case should clearly feel confused by the plea offer given to Kohberger.
It isn’t because we are absent a moral compass- it is because a guy just was given the death penalty in this same state- one year ago.

IMO

The Daybell case is an outlier because they found his new wife's young children's bodies on his property. That's a tough one to argue away.

 

[Bodine]

The idea that Bryan Kohberger will be respected or treated well in prison shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how prisons actually work.

Prison has a strict social order. Respect isn’t earned through media coverage, IQ scores, or academic credentials—it’s built on gang affiliation, reputation, and internal influence. Unless you hold power in that system, you’re at the bottom. Kohberger has no gang ties, no reputation, and no support inside. He’s not connected, feared, or respected. He’s a liability.

Some people seem convinced that Kohberger will somehow stand out in prison because he’s educated, quiet, and doesn’t “look” like the stereotypical inmate. But that’s part of the problem. His race, academic background, and soft-spoken image have led many to overestimate him—and in some cases, even sympathize with him—despite the brutality of his alleged actions. If he didn’t present as clean-cut or middle class, public perception would likely be much harsher.

Inside prison, none of that matters. Inmates don’t care how many groupies you have or how “famous” your case is. They don’t admire killers for being calculated, quiet, or book smart. They see right through that act. They’ll see Kohberger for what he is: a coward who killed in the dark, locked away in PC, written off before he even hits the yard.

Not all violent offenders are treated the same in prison. Many inmates have their own code. They certainly don’t respect people who kill innocent victims just for fantasy. Survival, retaliation, or impulsive decisions are more relatable. Kohberger’s crime doesn’t fit that mold—and it won’t earn him any respect, either.

Robert Pickton was murdered in prison. Jeffrey Dahmer was beaten to death. Richard Loeb, educated and wealthy, met his maker via straight razor. Kohberger has far less status, and his name won’t protect him.

He brings nothing to the table—no power, no respect, no usefulness. The idea that inmates will seek out his legal advice is far-fetched. Most won’t trust him. Many won’t even want to be seen speaking to him.

That’s why he’ll likely be kept in protective custody—not out of importance, but out of necessity. Inmates in PC are often viewed as weak or disposable. It’s not a step up—it’s the graveyard tier.

Kohberger won’t be respected. He won’t be feared.
He won’t be a presence.
To the inmates, he’ll just be another goof.

And that’s not a wish for street justice, or some personal fantasy to feel better.
It’s the cold, hard truth.

What he's going to be, because of the media attention his case has gotten, is a target. He'll be held in solitary for most of his sentence and probably moved to a federal facility for his safety (like Chris Watts and others) because he has a big target on his back simply because of his infamy.

 

[Cedars]

The Daybell case is an outlier because they found his new wife's young children's bodies on his property. That's a tough one to argue away.

Perhaps also a tough one to admit to when one is a professed devout Christian...