Bryan Kohberger, the criminology student convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students, has reportedly filed a petition to withdraw his guilty plea, The New York Times reported Monday. Kohberger is currently serving multiple life sentences for the 2022 killings.
In a statement to The New York Times from the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, Kohberger said, “My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn.” He stated he prepared the legal documents himself to challenge the case and plans to request a lawyer. The filing reportedly reached the court on Monday morning.
The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office and Kohberger’s former defense attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Kohberger pleaded guilty last July in a deal that spared him the death penalty. While he admitted to the killings in court, he did not offer a motive for the stabbings. Authorities stated the murders occurred while the students slept in their off-campus home.
The victims were identified as Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Ethan Chapin, 20; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Madison Mogen, 21.
Investigators linked Kohberger to the crime scene using cell phone data and surveillance video. A knife sheath, found near one of the victims, contained his DNA, according to authorities.
The family of Kaylee Goncalves, in a statement, said they are “not surprised” by the report and criticized the attention Kohberger continues to receive. "Regardless of how this turns out, our family is 100% ready. An actual trial this time? Let’s go!" they stated on Facebook. "We are confident he will get the death penalty that he escaped by pleading guilty the first time around. Moving on lol. Just an absolute waste of time and taxpayers money. It’s a disgrace."
Steve Goncalves, Kaylee Goncalves’ father, had previously spoken out against Kohberger’s plea agreement, stating, “Idaho has failed. They failed me. They failed my whole family.”
Reports earlier this month indicated that Kohberger’s legal defense had cost Idaho taxpayers nearly $5.5 million.