Bryan Kohberger Sentenced for Idaho Students’ Murders

Moscow, Idaho — Bryan Kohberger was sentenced on July 14, 2025, to four consecutive life sentences for the murders of four University of Idaho students. This decision follows Kohberger’s shocking confession to the stabbings, which took place on November 13, 2022, at the students’ home in Moscow.

The victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, became widely known as the Idaho Four. Their tragic deaths gripped the nation, prompting extensive media coverage and public interest. Kohberger’s admission came just weeks before the publication of “The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy,” authored by James Patterson and Vicky Ward.

The book, which explores the lives of the victims and the circumstances of their deaths, initially indicated that Kohberger’s trial would commence in August 2025. However, with his plea of guilt, that narrative changed dramatically.

During the sentencing, colleagues and family members shared their memories of the students, painting a vivid picture of their vibrant personalities and the impact of their loss. Alivea, Goncalves’ sister, conveyed a powerful message to Kohberger, emphasizing the kindness that the victims would have shown him in life.

“They would have been kind to you,” she said. “In a world that rejected you, they would have shown mercy.” This statement resonated with many, reflecting the broader community’s grief and outrage.

The book delves into Kohberger’s background, including his struggles with addiction and personal challenges. However, it focuses primarily on the lives of Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle, and Chapin, offering readers a glimpse into their bonds as friends and promising futures.

As the legal proceedings conclude, the legacy of the Idaho Four and the sorrow surrounding their loss continues to echo in the hearts of those who knew them.