Investigators tied Kohberger to the crime scene through DNA evidence found on a Ka-Bar knife sheath recovered near Mogen’s body.
The Legal Deal: Life in Prison Over Death
The plea deal marks a dramatic pivot in the high-profile case. Prosecutors had long sought the death penalty, and Kohberger’s defense had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to have it taken off the table.
“By taking a plea deal, Bryan Kohberger has insulated himself from a sentence that would require his execution,” Boise defense attorney Edwina Elcox told Fox News Digital.
“Only a jury can sentence him to death. Regardless, he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of ever being in society again.”
Elcox added that avoiding a trial may offer emotional relief to the victims’ families. “They will not have to go through the stress of a trial and the virtually guaranteed appeal process,” she said.
Reaction from the Families
The Goncalves family, relatives of one of the victims, expressed shock and outrage in a Facebook post:
