The oldest sister of one of the four University of Idaho students murdered in 2022 has stated she wishes for Bryan Kohberger to be "no longer breathing on this earth," in response to his recent attempt to retract his guilty plea. Alivea Goncalves, speaking to NBC's Today, described the feeling of being "revictimized" by Kohberger's legal maneuvers from behind bars.
Kohberger, now 31, pleaded guilty in 2025 shortly before his trial was scheduled to begin for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The plea agreement spared him a potential death sentence, resulting in four consecutive life terms without parole. However, Kohberger recently filed a handwritten petition for post-conviction relief, claiming he was "advised to lie" and that his guilty plea was entered based on "false promises and blatant disinformation."
In a statement to The New York Times, Kohberger asserted, "My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn." If his petition is successful, it could allow him to withdraw his guilty plea, potentially sending the case back to trial and reinstating the possibility of the death penalty.
A spokesperson for the Goncalves family criticized Kohberger's filing, calling him "the mosquito you just can't seem to swat" and suggesting he is seeking renewed attention. The spokesperson noted that Kohberger had "chosen not to leave his fate - or the facts of the case - to a jury" when he entered the plea deal.
Kaylee Goncalves' father, Steve Goncalves, has previously expressed frustration that the case did not go to trial, arguing that life sentences are "not a real death penalty." He stated his consistent desire for a trial to occur, emphasizing that he believes his child deserves the highest standard of justice, which he does not consider to be life in prison with amenities.
Kaylee's youngest sister, Aubrie Goncalves, broke her silence for the first time in a recent interview, explaining that while she was initially hesitant to speak out as a high school sophomore at the time of the murders, she now feels compelled to keep her sisters' memories alive. She shared personal reflections on her sister Kaylee, describing her as "the bubbliest human ever" with a positive outlook.
Aubrie Goncalves also released a statement pushing back against Kohberger's attempt to withdraw his plea. She questioned why an individual convicted of murder should retain a voice, emphasizing the reality of the crime for the victims' families. "This isn't a Netflix documentary. This isn't a conspiracy theory. This isn't entertainment. This is my life. These were real people," she wrote. She added that each time the case is reopened by legal filings or theories, her family is forced to relive their worst day.
The Idaho Attorney General, Raul Labrador, described Kohberger's change of position as "deeply painful" for the victims' families. The family has remained a prominent voice since the murders occurred in November 2022 in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.