After pleading guilty to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, Kohberger received four consecutive life sentences, plus 10 years for burglary. He will be sent to Idaho’s maximum-security prison.
The courtroom was filled with grief, rage, strength — and unforgettable words from the victims’ families:
Judge Steven Hippler:
“This was an unspeakable evil… a faceless coward… Parents who took their children to college in a truck filled with moving boxes had to bring them home in hearses lined with coffins.”
Kaylee’s sister, Alivea Goncalves:
“If you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep, in the middle of the night, like a p*dophile, Kaylee would’ve kicked your f**king ass.”
“The truth is, you’re basic.”
“Sociopath. Psychopath. Murderer.”
Kaylee’s dad, Steve Goncalves:
“Nobody cares about you. In time, you’ll be nothing but two initials, forgotten to the wind.”
“Master degree? You’re a joke. Complete joke.”
“Today we are here to finish what you started.”
Xana’s mom, Cara Northington:
“You don’t deserve our good memories.”
“Nothing man can do to you will compare to the wrath of God.”
Xana’s stepdad, Randy Davis:
“You are going to go to hell. You are evil. There is no place for you in heaven.”
Xana’s dad, Jeff Kernodle:
He revealed he was just seven miles away the night of the murders and considered going to see Xana because she hadn’t been feeling well. But she told him not to drive after drinking.
“You would have had to deal with me.”
“I really wish I would have gone. They would have had a chance — all four of them.”
Xana’s aunt, Kim Kernodle:
“Bryan, I am here today to tell you that I have forgiven you, because I no longer could live with that hate in my heart.”
“I’ll be that one that will listen to you.”
Madison’s dad, Ben Mogen:
“Maddie was my only child that I ever had. She was the only great thing I ever really did. And the only thing I was ever really proud of.”
Madison’s stepdad, Scott Laramie:
“We will grow old without our only child.”
Surviving roommates, Dylan and Bethany:
“He shattered me in places I didn’t know could break.”
“I constantly wake up in panics. I haven’t slept through a night since it happened.”
Kohberger’s only words in court:
“I respectfully decline.” (When asked if he wanted to speak.)
Some families expressed outrage over the plea deal:
“You don’t deal with people who kill your kids in their sleep.” – Steve Goncalves
“I don’t agree with this outcome.” – Jeff Kernodle
Others, like Ben Mogen, said avoiding a long trial brings peace:
“We can actually put this behind us.”
