Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students, has been granted a new taxpayer-funded attorney to pursue post-conviction relief. Kohberger is seeking to withdraw his guilty plea, a plea he entered last year in exchange for prosecutors dropping the death penalty.
Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler approved Kohberger's request for court-appointed counsel, directing the Idaho State Public Defender to assign an attorney for his post-conviction proceedings. The order follows a handwritten petition filed by Kohberger claiming he was "convinced to falsely confess" and that his previous defense attorneys failed to disclose exculpatory evidence. These claims directly contradict his earlier statements that his plea was made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.
The case, including the investigation, prosecution, and publicly funded defense, has reportedly cost taxpayers over $8 million. Kohberger's defense alone accounted for nearly $5.5 million of that total, with the state assuming responsibility for more than $2.65 million in defense costs after initial funding by Latah County.
The victims' families have expressed distress over Kohberger's attempt to reopen the case. Kristi Goncalves, mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves, stated the family is prepared to return to court if the case is revived.
Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for the stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in November 2022. Prosecutors presented evidence including cellphone location data, digital evidence, and soil samples found in Kohberger's vehicle that were consistent with the Moscow, Idaho area. Investigators also noted that Kohberger reportedly turned off his cellphone before entering the off-campus home and searched for local police dispatch audio after the murders.