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In a recent court filing, prosecutors made it clear that it will be a death penalty case against Bryan Kohberger. He is the primary suspect in the shocking University of Idaho murders. 

Following the arraignment in May, prosecutors were granted a 60-day window to submit the necessary notice indicating their pursuit of the death penalty. 

The filing explicitly states, "The State gives this notice based on the fact that it has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the triers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature, including the possibility of a capital sentence."

The crimes occurred on November 13, 2022. Four college students residing in an off-campus house were stabbed to death.

 The victims were identified as Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (Kaylee's lifelong best friend and roommate), Xana Kernodle (another roommate), and Ethan Chapin (Kernodle's boyfriend). The incident captured nationwide attention, leaving two other roommates fortunate enough to survive.

Bryan Kohberger, aged 28, was apprehended on December 30, 2022, after an extensive six-week manhunt.

Death penalty case

 At the time of the murders, Kohberger was pursuing his Ph.D. at Washington State University, situated nearby. Heading from Washington State to Pennsylvania, he embarked on a cross-country journey following the end of the semester. And he was arrested at his parent's residence in the Pocono Mountains.

During the extradition hearing, in January Monroe County Chief Public Defender Jason LaBar, who represented Kohberger, emphasized his client's eagerness to be exonerated and expressed the desire to expedite the resolution of the case. 

In May at his arraignment, Kohberger opted to remain silent when prompted for a plea, resulting in the judge entering a not-guilty plea on his behalf in accordance with Idaho state law.

The family of Kaylee Goncalves released a statement that expressed gratitude that the state was pursuing the death penalty. They believe that there is no one more deserving of such a penalty than the defendant in this case. They also extended their prayers to the other victim's families and conveyed appreciation for the support they have received.

Bryan Kohberger's trial is scheduled to commence on October 2.