BOISE, Idaho — On Thursday, the legal representatives for a man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students made a request to a judge to eliminate the possibility of the death penalty in the case, arguing that various laws at the international, federal, and state levels render its application inappropriate.
Bryan Kohberger faces charges relating to the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, which occurred on November 13, 2022. Authorities have indicated that they linked Kohberger—who was a graduate student at Washington State University at the time—to the crime through DNA evidence located on a knife sheath found at the scene, surveillance footage, and cellphone records.
When Kohberger was first asked to enter a plea last year, he chose to remain silent, prompting a judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have expressed their intention to pursue the death penalty if he is found guilty of the charges.
During a recent pre-trial motion hearing, Kohberger’s defense team put forth a variety of arguments against the application of the death penalty, suggesting that its use does not coincide with modern societal standards of decency. They also argued that it is inhumane to keep condemned inmates in limbo on death row for potentially decades while waiting for execution and that it conflicts with an international treaty against the torture of prisoners.
However, 4th District Judge Stephen Hippler scrutinized many of these assertions, pointing out that the international treaty cited by the defense is primarily concerned with ensuring that prisoners receive due process to avoid wrongful convictions and executions without a fair trial.
Prosecutors countered that the Idaho Supreme Court has previously reviewed similar claims in other capital cases and has upheld the validity of the death penalty. Nevertheless, by addressing these issues during the motion hearing, Kohberger’s defense team has begun to document their legal arguments formally, potentially setting the stage for future appeals if needed.
The judge announced that he will issue a written decision regarding the motions at a later date. Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of victim Kaylee Goncalves, attended the hearing and afterward shared their belief that the nature of the crime warrants the death penalty.
Steve Goncalves stated, “With four victims all in one location, that’s more than enough reason.” Additionally, Kristi Goncalves mentioned that she had spoken with the coroner about the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death. She expressed her conviction that if Kohberger inflicted similar harm on the other victims as he did to her daughter, he deserves to face the ultimate penalty.
Kohberger’s lawyers have indicated that he was out driving the night of the murders, a routine he often followed to gaze at the night sky. The trial is set to commence next August and may extend for up to three months. The Goncalves family has arranged to stay in Boise to attend the proceedings.