White House Grieving as Idaho Student Killer Bryan Kohberger is Sentenced to Life
By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
WASHINGTON/MOSCOW, IDAHO (Worthy News) – The White House on Wednesday expressed “grief and sorrow” for the families of four slain University of Idaho students after Bryan Kohberger, 30, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for their brutal murders in 2022.
Kohberger pleaded guilty earlier this month to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary as part of a plea agreement that allowed him to avoid the death penalty. The victims—Kaylee Goncalves (21), Madison “Maddie” Mogen (21), Xana Kernodle (20), and Ethan Chapin (20)—were found fatally stabbed in an off-campus residence in Moscow in the U.S. state of Idaho, on November 13, 2022.
At the start of Wednesday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the families directly. “We are so sorry for the grief and the pain you have experienced at the hands of such a vicious and evil killer. Our nation grieves with you, and we will never forget the precious souls who were lost in this horrific act of evil,” Leavitt said.
She reiterated President Donald J. Trump’s position that the killer should publicly explain his actions. “If it were up to the president, he would have forced this monster to publicly explain why he chose to steal these innocent souls,” said Leavitt, herself a young mother. “May God bless and watch over everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy, especially the parents who lost their children,” she added.
President Trump had previously written on his Truth Social platform:
“Bryan Kohberger, who was responsible, in Idaho, for the deaths of four wonderful young souls, has made a plea bargain deal in order to avoid the Death Penalty. These were vicious murders, with so many questions left unanswered,” Trump wrote.
“While Life Imprisonment is tough, it’s certainly better than receiving the Death Penalty. But, before Sentencing, I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders. There are no explanations. There is no NOTHING,” he added.
NO CONNECTION
Despite extensive investigations, authorities have found no known connection between Kohberger, a former criminology PhD student, and the victims. The judge, District Judge Steven Hippler, called Kohberger a “coward” who “senselessly slaughtered” the students in their sleep. Kohberger declined to speak at his sentencing and has never provided a motive.
During the hearing, emotional victim impact statements were delivered by family members, many of whom had waited nearly three years for justice.
Alivea Goncalves, Kaylee’s sister, addressed Kohberger directly in court.
“If you hadn’t attacked them in the middle of the night while they were asleep, like a pedophile, Kaylee would have kicked your [expletive] ass.”
During the emotional testimony, the presiding judge was seen wiping away tears.
As part of the plea deal, Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole and an additional maximum 10-year sentence for burglary.
The murders sent shockwaves across the United States and led to one of the most high-profile manhunts in recent years. The case also sparked renewed calls for justice reform and further scrutiny of how plea deals are offered in capital murder cases.
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