Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students, plans to pursue post-conviction relief, according to sources familiar with the matter. This comes despite Kohberger having waived his right to an appeal as part of his plea agreement.
Kohberger is currently serving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 10 years, for the November 13, 2022, murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. He entered his guilty plea in July 2025.
In public remarks made directly to The New York Times, Kohberger stated his "actual innocence is my truth" and claimed the plea deal, which he described as being "hinged on false promises and blatant disinformation," should be withdrawn. He also indicated an intention to argue that he received inadequate legal counsel.
A longtime attorney and true crime host, who was not named in the reporting, suggested that prosecutors presented a strong case against Kohberger, which may have influenced the decision to accept the plea deal. The attorney noted that the defense's claims of shaky evidence were dismissed in light of the prosecution's substantial case.