Latest news with #LatahCounty
Fox News
a day ago
- Fox News
Prosecutors want Idaho killer barred from contacting victims' families for nearly a century
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Prosecutors have asked a Boise judge to extend the order barring Bryan Kohberger from contacting his victims' families for another 99 years following his guilty plea in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. "This Motion is based on the fact that Defendant has now entered guilty pleas to all offenses charged in the Indictment and will be sentenced on July 23, 2025," Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson wrote in a motion made public Tuesday. "The current No Contact Orders expire on January 5, 2027, and the State respectfully requests that they be extended for an additional ninety-nine (99) years." READ BRYAN KOHBERGER'S SIGNED KILLER CONFESSION On July 2, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. They were all killed in a 4 a.m. home invasion stabbing on Nov. 13, 2022 at a rental house on King Road in Moscow, Idaho. He left a Ka-Bar knife sheath with his DNA on it at the scene. At the time of the murders, Kohberger was a Ph.D. student studying criminology at the neighboring Washington State University, a roughly 10-mile drive over the state line in Pullman, Washington. BRYAN KOHBERGER PLEADS GUILTY TO IDAHO MURDERS By the time police arrested him at his parents' house in Pennsylvania on Dec. 30, 2022, his apartment had been cleaned up, and investigators found his campus office empty. Specifics about what police found useful out of dozens of items seized from his apartment, his car and his parents' house have not been made public. Weeks before his trial was expected to kick off, he changed his plea to guilty to avoid the potential death penalty. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP He is expected to receive four consecutive life sentences with no parole, plus another 10 years, at his sentencing Wednesday. Although he is barred from contacting them, the families will have a chance to address him face-to-face in court when they deliver victim impact statements.
Al Arabiya
a day ago
- Al Arabiya
What to know about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing hearing for killing four Idaho students
For many University of Idaho students, a shelter-in-place text message from the school was the first indication that something had gone horribly wrong at the rental house near campus on November 13, 2022. Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in the Moscow, Idaho, home on King Road. The killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to the crimes earlier this month and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences, but there are still more questions than answers in the disturbing case. Here are some things to know for Kohberger's sentencing hearing on Wednesday. A plea deal was reached before a trial. Bryan Kohberger, 30, was arrested roughly six weeks after the killings and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He initially exercised his constitutional right to remain silent when asked to enter a plea, so a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson announced early on that he would seek the death penalty if Kohberger was convicted. Investigators said Kohberger's DNA was found on a knife sheath at the home, surveillance video showed a car matching Kohberger's nearby at the time of the killings, and cell phone data showed him near the house multiple times before the attack. Kohberger's defense attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn't be able to find enough unbiased jurors in the rural farming community of Moscow. But they were unsuccessful in their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table, and they weren't able to prevent critical evidence like the DNA from being admitted in trial. Both sides reached a plea deal earlier this month. In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Instead, both sides agreed to recommend that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings. During the plea hearing on July 2, Judge Steven Hippler explained that he doesn't have much leeway when it comes to plea deals like this one. The court can't require a prosecutor to seek the death penalty, and a judge's primary role in plea hearings is to determine if the defendant is making the plea freely, voluntarily, and intelligently. Hippler determined that was the case for Kohberger and accepted his guilty plea. The victims' families were split on how they felt about the plea deal. Kohberger's motive and many other details are unknown. Investigators have not revealed what they think may have motivated Kohberger's actions. At the time of the killings, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, and Thompson has said he used his knowledge about forensic investigations to attempt to cover his tracks by deep cleaning his vehicle after the crime. Police say Kohberger's Amazon purchase history shows he bought a military-style knife as well as the knife sheath found at the home, but the knife itself was never found. The case drew widespread interest, and judges feared the publicity could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed, and hundreds of court documents were sealed from public view. After Kohberger pleaded guilty, Hippler agreed to lift the gag order. The documents will be unsealed after the sentencing hearing, but that will take time. It's not clear how many answers they might contain. Kohberger can speak at sentencing or refuse. The families and surviving roommates of the victims will have the opportunity during the sentencing hearing to describe the damage the killings have done to them. Because there are so many of them, the hearing could stretch into Thursday. Kohberger will also have the opportunity to speak–a process called the right of allocution. Defendants might use their statement to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing. But because the US Constitution's 5th Amendment guarantee of the right to remain silent remains in effect during sentencing hearings, they also might choose not to speak at all. Kohberger doesn't have to say anything–and the judge can't force him to. Many, including President Donald Trump, have urged the judge to somehow make Kohberger explain himself. 'I hope the Judge makes Kohberger at a minimum explain why he did these horrible murders,' Trump wrote online on Monday. 'There are no explanations there is no NOTHING.' Foundations honor Kaylee, Maddie, Xana, and Ethan. Friends and family members have sought to commemorate the victims' lives by raising money for scholarships and other initiatives. Ethan's Smile Foundation, started by Chapin's family, honors his love of life, people, and new adventures by providing scholarships that enable others to follow their dreams, its website says. The Made With Kindness Foundation honors the legacy of Mogen, Goncalves, and Kernodle through scholarships, wellness support, and empowerment initiatives. 'Our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation, turning their dreams into realities in a world that values compassion and community,' its website says. The University of Idaho built the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial in memory of all students who passed away while enrolled at the school.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
What to know about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing hearing for killing four Idaho students
For many University of Idaho students, a 'shelter in place' text message from the school was the first indication that something had gone horribly wrong at the rental house near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in the Moscow, Idaho home on King Road. The killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to the crimes earlier this month and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences. But there are still more questions than answers in the disturbing case. Here are some things to know for Kohberger's sentencing hearing on Wednesday. A plea deal was reached before a trial Bryan Kohberger, 30, was arrested roughly six weeks after the killings and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He initially exercised his constitutional right to remain silent when asked to enter a plea, so a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson announced early on that he would seek the death penalty if Kohberger was convicted. Investigators said Kohberger's DNA was found on a knife sheath at the home, surveillance video showed a car matching Kohberger's nearby at the time of the killings, and cell phone data showed him near the house multiple times before the attack. Kohberger's defense attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn't be able to find enough unbiased jurors in the rural farming community of Moscow. But they were unsuccessful in their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table, and they weren't able to prevent critical evidence like the DNA from being admitted in trial. Both sides reached a plea deal earlier this month. In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Instead, both sides agreed to recommend that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings. During the plea hearing on July 2, Judge Steven Hippler explained that he doesn't have much leeway when it comes to plea deals like this one. The court can't require a prosecutor to seek the death penalty, and a judge's primary role in plea hearings is to determine if the defendant is making the plea freely, voluntarily and intelligently. Hippler determined that was the case for Kohberger, and accepted his guilty plea. The victim's families were split on how they felt about the plea deal. Kohberger's motive and many other details are unknown Investigators have not revealed what they think may have motivated Kohberger's actions. At the time of the killings, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, and Thompson has said he used his knowledge about forensic investigations to attempt to cover his tracks by deep cleaning his vehicle after the crime. Police say Kohberger's Amazon purchase history shows he bought a military-style knife as well as the knife sheath found at the home. But the knife itself was never found. The case drew widespread interest and judges feared the publicity could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed and hundreds of court documents were sealed from public view. After Kohberger pleaded guilty, Hippler agreed to lift the gag order. The documents will be unsealed after the sentencing hearing but that will take time. It's not clear how many answers they might contain. Kohberger can speak at sentencing or refuse The families and surviving roommates of the victims will have the opportunity during the sentencing hearing to describe the damage the killings have done to them. Because there are so many of them, the hearing could stretch into Thursday. Kohberger will also have the opportunity to speak — a process called the 'right of allocution.' Defendants might use their statement to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing. But because the U.S. Constitution's 5th Amendment guarantee of the right to remain silent remains in effect during sentencing hearings, they also might choose not to speak at all. Kohberger doesn't have to say anything — and the judge can't force him to. Many, including President Donald Trump, have urged the judge to somehow make Kohberger explain himself. 'I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders,' Trump wrote online on Monday. 'There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING.' Foundations honor Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan Friends and family members have sought to commemorate the victims' lives by raising money for scholarships and other initiatives. Ethan's Smile Foundation, started by Chapin's family, honors his 'love of life, people, and new adventures by providing scholarships that enable others to follow their dreams,' its website says. The Made With Kindness Foundation honors the legacy of Mogen, Goncalves, and Kernodle through scholarships, wellness support and empowerment initiatives. 'Our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation, turning their dreams into realities in a world that values compassion and community,' its website says. The University of Idaho built the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial in memory of all students who passed away while enrolled at the school.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Associated Press
What to know about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing hearing for killing four Idaho students
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — For many University of Idaho students, a 'shelter in place' text message from the school was the first indication that something had gone horribly wrong at the rental house near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in the Moscow, Idaho home on King Road. The killer, Bryan Kohberger, pleaded guilty to the crimes earlier this month and is expected to be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences. But there are still more questions than answers in the disturbing case. Here are some things to know for Kohberger's sentencing hearing on Wednesday. A plea deal was reached before a trial Bryan Kohberger, 30, was arrested roughly six weeks after the killings and charged with four counts of first-degree murder. He initially exercised his constitutional right to remain silent when asked to enter a plea, so a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson announced early on that he would seek the death penalty if Kohberger was convicted. Investigators said Kohberger's DNA was found on a knife sheath at the home, surveillance video showed a car matching Kohberger's nearby at the time of the killings, and cell phone data showed him near the house multiple times before the attack. Kohberger's defense attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn't be able to find enough unbiased jurors in the rural farming community of Moscow. But they were unsuccessful in their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table, and they weren't able to prevent critical evidence like the DNA from being admitted in trial. Both sides reached a plea deal earlier this month. In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Instead, both sides agreed to recommend that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole for the killings. During the plea hearing on July 2, Judge Steven Hippler explained that he doesn't have much leeway when it comes to plea deals like this one. The court can't require a prosecutor to seek the death penalty, and a judge's primary role in plea hearings is to determine if the defendant is making the plea freely, voluntarily and intelligently. Hippler determined that was the case for Kohberger, and accepted his guilty plea. The victim's families were split on how they felt about the plea deal. Kohberger's motive and many other details are unknown Investigators have not revealed what they think may have motivated Kohberger's actions. At the time of the killings, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, and Thompson has said he used his knowledge about forensic investigations to attempt to cover his tracks by deep cleaning his vehicle after the crime. Police say Kohberger's Amazon purchase history shows he bought a military-style knife as well as the knife sheath found at the home. But the knife itself was never found. The case drew widespread interest and judges feared the publicity could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed and hundreds of court documents were sealed from public view. After Kohberger pleaded guilty, Hippler agreed to lift the gag order. The documents will be unsealed after the sentencing hearing but that will take time. It's not clear how many answers they might contain. Kohberger can speak at sentencing or refuse The families and surviving roommates of the victims will have the opportunity during the sentencing hearing to describe the damage the killings have done to them. Because there are so many of them, the hearing could stretch into Thursday. Kohberger will also have the opportunity to speak — a process called the 'right of allocution.' Defendants might use their statement to express remorse, ask for mercy, or to say whatever else they think the court should hear before sentencing. But because the U.S. Constitution's 5th Amendment guarantee of the right to remain silent remains in effect during sentencing hearings, they also might choose not to speak at all. Kohberger doesn't have to say anything — and the judge can't force him to. Many, including President Donald Trump, have urged the judge to somehow make Kohberger explain himself. 'I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders,' Trump wrote online on Monday. 'There are no explanations, there is no NOTHING.' Foundations honor Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and EthanFriends and family members have sought to commemorate the victims' lives by raising money for scholarships and other initiatives. Ethan's Smile Foundation, started by Chapin's family, honors his 'love of life, people, and new adventures by providing scholarships that enable others to follow their dreams,' its website says. The Made With Kindness Foundation honors the legacy of Mogen, Goncalves, and Kernodle through scholarships, wellness support and empowerment initiatives. 'Our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation, turning their dreams into realities in a world that values compassion and community,' its website says. The University of Idaho built the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial in memory of all students who passed away while enrolled at the school.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Fox News
Bryan Kohberger prosecutors announce reversal on gag order after Idaho killer's confession
Idaho prosecutors have dropped their support for the ongoing gag order in the Bryan Kohberger quadruple murder case. Latah County Prosecuting Attorney notified the court in a filing dated Monday. It was made public Wednesday, hours before Thursday's hearing on a motion from a coalition of media outlets, including FOX News, seeking to have the order lifted in the wake of Kohberger's guilty pleas to all charges. The intent of the order was to ensure Kohberger's right to a fair trial, according to court filings. Now that he has admitted to the slayings of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20 and Ethan Chapin, 20, attorneys for the media argued that the gag is pointless. Prosecutors had requested the order remain in place until after Kohberger's sentencing is made official next week, but they reversed course "upon further reflection," according to their latest filing. "Now that the Defendant has pleaded guilty as charged to all five (5) counts of the Indictment, his right to a fair trial on the issue of guilt is no longer at issue," Thompson wrote. "Nevertheless, out of respect for the integrity of the judicial process and the privacy of the victims and their families as they consider their rights to provide victim impact statements at sentencing, the prosecution team does not intend to make any public statements about this case until after sentencing has concluded." A hearing on the motion is scheduled in Boise, Idaho, for 12:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. MT. His sentencing is set for July 23. He is expected to receive the maximum penalty under the terms of the plea deal, four consecutive terms of life in prison without parole, plus another 10 years. He also waived his right to appeal and to seek a sentence reduction. Kohberger snuck into an off-campus house at 1122 King Road around 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022, and killed all four students with a Ka-Bar knife, according to prosecutors. He started in an upstairs bedroom, where he killed Mogen and Goncalves. Kernodle was awake on the main floor, and he killed her on the way out. Then he turned the knife on Chapin, who was asleep in her bedroom. He walked within three feet of another roommate, whom he did not attack, and then left. Separately, a lawyer for the media coalition filed a motion asking the court to unseal nearly 250 documents in the case.
