Bryan Kohberger's Family Supports His Bid to Challenge Murder Conviction
The family of Bryan Kohberger stated their support for his plan to challenge his conviction for the murders of four University of Idaho students, emphasizing their desire for the truth to be fully revealed through a proper legal process.
Bryan Kohberger's family has announced their support for his efforts to challenge his conviction in the murders of four University of Idaho students. Kohberger pleaded guilty to the killings of Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, and Xana Kernodle in an off-campus apartment in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.
Kohberger, 31, is pursuing post-conviction relief, having filed documents in Ada County District Court in July. He claims he accepted the plea deal under advisement to lie, stating his "actual innocence is my truth." Kohberger was scheduled to enter court again in June as part of this process.
In August, Kohberger conveyed in a statement to The New York Times that his plea, "hinged on false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn." He is also seeking the recusal of Judge Steven Hippler, alleging bias during the sentencing phase, and has requested the case be moved back to Latah County, where the crimes occurred.
His family expressed that their support for his legal challenge is not intended to diminish the grief of the victims' families. "Our full support of Bryan's decision to pursue post-conviction relief does not come from a place of disregard," the family stated to ABC News. "Rather, it comes from our family's need to see that the complete and unvarnished truth is told. Like everyone, we seek answers to all the questions that have been raised, which can only be addressed through a proper trial, as opposed to an improper plea."
By pleading guilty last July, just before his trial was set to commence, Kohberger avoided a potential death sentence. He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole. As part of the plea agreement, he waived his right to appeal.
"As a family, we continue to carry the victims, their families, and the entire Moscow community in our hearts and daily prayer," the family added. "We continue to love and support Bryan and we continue to respect the memory of those lost. We seek to find justice and a conclusive resolution through the legal process."