Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students murdered in November 2022, stated he would welcome a retrial if requested by Bryan Kohberger. Goncalves expressed that such a proceeding would allow families to confront the quadruple murderer and see him sentenced to death.

Kohberger, who is currently serving four life sentences, announced his intention to withdraw his not guilty plea and enter a new one. He stated, "My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn." Kohberger also expressed a desire for the State of Idaho to have the opportunity to prove its case at trial and to seek the death penalty again.

Goncalves told NewsNation that he wants a "second shot at the accused murderer" and believes Kohberger would certainly face the death penalty if the case went to trial. "I would love for us to be able to reline him up and hold him accountable to the full extent of what he’s done," he said. He described Kohberger as "not even a member of our society" and expressed frustration over the legal process.

Kohberger narrowly avoided a trial by accepting a plea deal before proceedings could begin. He has also reportedly requested a new public defender, claiming his previous representation did not adequately explain the realities of life in prison or review exculpatory evidence. Goncalves, however, suggested that Kohberger's request might stem from being an "egomaniac psychopath" and predicted that life as a regular prisoner would be significantly worse than his current situation.

Despite welcoming the potential retrial, Goncalves also voiced concern about the financial burden on the community, stating, "I don’t want to put our community through another few million dollars."

Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. All four victims were found with blunt-force injuries. Kohberger has not publicly revealed a motive for the killings.

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador stated that his office is "ready to do whatever is necessary to ensure justice is fully carried out."