The father of one of the University of Idaho murder victims has publicly condemned the state after news broke that Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four students in 2022, may avoid the death penalty by accepting a plea deal.
“Idaho has failed. They failed me. They failed my whole family,” said Steve Goncalves, father of Kaylee Goncalves, during an emotional interview on NBC’s TODAY show.
Kohberger, who was set to stand trial in just five weeks, faces charges for the brutal stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. The case had gripped national attention due to the shocking nature of the crime and the lack of a clear motive.
Families Say Deal Moved Forward Without Consent
According to the Goncalves family, prosecutors first mentioned the possibility of a plea deal last Friday — but never sought meaningful input. “It was a HARD NO from our family,” they said in a statement. Two days later, they received a letter suggesting the plea deal was advancing regardless.
The proposed deal, reported by local outlets but not confirmed by the state, would guarantee a conviction and life sentence for Kohberger. While that would avoid a lengthy trial, several family members say it comes at the expense of justice.
“They told us it’s not really about us. Just shut up and get on board — that’s really what they told us,” Steve Goncalves said.
Other Families Also Object
Xana Kernodle’s aunt, Kim Kernodle, echoed the frustration in a separate interview, saying the defense proposed the deal and prosecutors justified it as a way to “spare the families” from seeing disturbing crime scene evidence. But she pushed back, saying that her family, along with the Goncalves family, wanted a trial.
Kaylee Goncalves’ sister, Aubrie, called the timing “shocking and cruel,” pointing out that Kohberger would continue to have a voice and life in prison, while the victims “have been silenced forever.”
A court hearing on the matter is expected Wednesday. At least some relatives plan to ask the judge to delay any final decisions.
Evidence Against Kohberger Remains Strong
Prosecutors previously outlined substantial evidence against Kohberger, including a DNA match from a knife sheath found at the crime scene, as well as cellphone data and surveillance footage placing him near the victims’ home at the time of the murders. His defense team maintains he is innocent and claims he was driving alone that night.
NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos noted that the decision to plead is ultimately up to the defendant, not the families. While Idaho law ensures victims have the right to be heard, it does not give them power over prosecutorial decisions.
A Painful Trade-Off
For the families, the decision feels like a betrayal.
“They never even asked what justice looks like to us,” Steve Goncalves said. “Our daughters, our sons — they didn’t get a choice. Why does he?”
The state has not officially confirmed the plea agreement, but pressure is mounting from all sides. Whether the court accepts the deal — and whether families will be able to intervene — remains to be seen.
