Man convicted in Idaho college student killings seeks to withdraw guilty plea

Bryan Kohberger, convicted of the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, is attempting to withdraw his guilty plea, asserting his actual innocence. Kohberger claims he pleaded guilty based on inadequate legal advice and is now seeking a new trial. He has filed for post-conviction relief in Ada County district court and is representing himself in the proceedings.

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I hereby declare my intention to enter a not guilty plea, and welcome the State the opportunity to prove their case at trial, as well as to, again, file for the death penalty. My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn.

Kohberger was found guilty of breaking into a house and killing Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, who were in their early 20s. The victims suffered numerous knife wounds, with evidence of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma also found. Kohberger is currently serving four consecutive life sentences without parole, plus an additional 10 years for burglary.

The victims' families have sharply criticized Kohberger's move. A statement attributed to the Goncalves family described him as a "narcissist" and "the mosquito you just can’t seem to swat." They highlighted that Kohberger did not challenge the evidence or claim he was uninformed during his initial plea, stating, "He admitted his guilt."

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He chose not to leave his fate – or the facts of the case – to a jury. He never cried foul, never claimed he was uninformed or pressured, and never suggested there were problems with the discovery materials he and his counsel had reviewed for two years that should have been challenged. He admitted his guilt.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador expressed sympathy for the victims' families on social media, stating his office is prepared to ensure justice is fully carried out. No motive for the killings has ever been established. Evidence presented during the case included DNA matching Kohberger found at the crime scene and surveillance footage showing a vehicle similar to his near the students' residence around the time of the murders. Kohberger's cell phone was reportedly turned off during the murders.

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My heart goes out to the families of Madison, Kaylee, Xana and Ethan, who have already endured unimaginable loss and now must face today’s deeply painful news. My office stands ready to do whatever is necessary to ensure justice is fully carried out.