Bryan Kohberger could escape death penalty because of leaked evidence aired during TV episode: fmr prosecutor
Share this @internewscast.com

Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho murders case, is anticipated to plead guilty on Wednesday during his court appearance following an agreement reached earlier this week, which has faced criticism from some family members of the victims.

The 30-year-old Kohberger is charged with the murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. The attack occurred during a home invasion on November 13, 2022, at around 4 a.m.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Kohberger might not be required to explain the crime as part of the plea deal, as reported by Fox News Digital on Tuesday. He is set to appear at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise at 11 a.m.

“By taking a plea deal, Bryan Kohberger has insulated himself from a sentence that would require his execution,” Idaho defense lawyer Edwina Elcox, who has had cases in front of Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler, told Fox News Digital. “Only a jury can sentence him to death. Regardless, he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of ever being in society again.”

“We weren’t even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached,” the statement continued. “That’s how Latah County’s Prosecutor’s Office treats murder victims’ families. Adding insult to injury, they’re rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2.”

Windows on a two story house are boarded up with pieces of wood.

The house where four college students were brutally stabbed to death is boarded up and surrounded by security fencing Feb. 23, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

Steve Goncalves told NewsNation Monday the plea deal decision is “anything but justice.” He further commended law enforcement for their work in investigating the case, noting that “the failure was at the court level.”

“The fault is in leadership and the people that you place this evidence upon. They were weak,” Goncalves said.

Steve Goncalves and hIs wife

Steven Goncalves, his wife Kristi Goncalves, and their murdered daughter, Kaylee Goncalves.  (Ted Warren via AP/Instagram)

Goncalves added that he met with prosecutors regularly, but no one called him about Kohberger’s decision to accept a plea deal.

Gray told NewsNation he expected Hippler to accept Kohberger’s plea Wednesday and move on to his sentencing in the next “few weeks,” when victims will be able to give victim impact statements in court.

Ethan Chapin was a triplet. His two siblings recalled the moment they found out from a friend what had happened to the 20-year-old and his girlfriend, Kernodle, in their home off the University of Idaho campus Nov. 13, 2022, in an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America” recorded before news of the plea deal emerged.

Idaho murders

The Chapin family. Ethan was one of four University of Idaho students murdered in November 2022. (Stacy Chapin)

“I was like, ‘Where’s Ethan and Xana?'” Hunter Chapin, Ethan’s brother, said of that morning, when he walked to the house where Ethan was staying after hearing there were police outside. “And [a friend was] like, ‘They’re not here anymore.’ It’s like, ‘What do you mean they’re not here anymore?’ He’s like, ‘I think they were murdered last night.'”

Stacy Chapin, Ethan’s mother, told GMA she was in a grocery store when she received a call from Hunter, who repeatedly said, “He’s not here anymore,” to which he responded, “‘Well, go get him. Go find him.’

Hunter Chapin and his new school advisor

Ethan Chapin’s parents decided to visit their two surviving children at the University of Idaho every other weekend since Ethan’s Nov. 13 murder. (Stacy Wells Chapin)

“And he just kept saying it,” Stacy Chapin said. “And he goes, ‘No, Mom. You don’t understand. Ethan and Xana,’ I think he said, ‘are not on this earth anymore.'”

She said that within hours of receiving the news about Ethan, she made a commitment to keep her family intact.

“The first thing that I told these kids was, ‘I do not know what in the hell has just happened to our family right now, but this isn’t gonna sink us. We will carry on,'” Stacy Chapin told GMA. “It will look different, it’s gonna feel different. But we will do it.

“These two deserve a lifetime of happiness. I mean, they have seen the very bottom,” she told GMA. “I’d do anything for them.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Georgia woman hospitalized after attacker hurls corrosive chemical during evening walk

Georgia Woman Hospitalized Following Assault with Corrosive Substance During Evening Stroll

A Georgia woman is on the road to recovery after suffering severe…
Nets drop thriller to Mavericks despite Michael Porter Jr.’s 34 and Danny Wolf’s spark off the bench

Nets’ High-Energy Battle Falls Short Against Mavericks: Michael Porter Jr. Shines with 34 Points While Danny Wolf Ignites Off the Bench

Michael Porter Jr. delivered an impressive 34-point performance, equaling the record shared…
‘Miracle on Ice’ Team Visits White House for Great Honor, Gives Pres. Trump Historic Souvenir

Legendary ‘Miracle on Ice’ Team Visits White House, Presents President Trump with Iconic Memento

There aren’t many moments when I find myself feeling a twinge of…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Bryan Kohberger's new target, Luigi Mangione's 'red flags,' Brian Walshe trial

Unraveling True Crime: Bryan Kohberger’s Latest Pursuit, Luigi Mangione’s Alarming Signs, and the Brian Walshe Trial Update

Bryan Kohberger has reportedly been attempting to make contact with serial killers…
Florida influencer, 41, accused of inappropriately touching, exposing herself to teenage son's friend

Florida Social Media Personality, 41, Faces Allegations of Misconduct Involving Teen Son’s Friend

A Florida micro-influencer found herself in legal trouble last November after allegations…
Chicago firefighters battle large house fire on South Lafayette Avenue on South Side

Blaze Erupts on South Lafayette Avenue: Chicago Firefighters Rush to the Rescue

In a dramatic turn of events on Friday evening, Chicago firefighters found…
Italian town offers newcomers $30K to move there — on one condition

Move to Italy: Small Town Offers $30K Incentive for New Residents with a Catch

For those who’ve fantasized about living in Tuscany, indulging in wine and…
Michelle Kwan, retired Olympic figure skater, welcomes second child

Michelle Kwan Celebrates Joyful Arrival of Second Child: A Heartwarming Update from the Olympic Legend

She joyfully declared, “Christmas came early,” celebrating the arrival of her second…
Russian police and National Guard will stay in Ukraine’s Donbas postwar, a Kremlin official says

Postwar Strategy: Kremlin Confirms Russian Police and National Guard Presence in Ukraine’s Donbas

By DASHA LITVINOVA and ILLIA NOVIKOV KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a…
Obese man on death row chooses buffet of BBQ, wings, cheeseburger, pizza, ice cream for last meal in Georgia

Georgia Death Row Inmate Opts for BBQ Feast as His Final Meal Choice

An inmate on death row in Georgia, grappling with obesity, has made…
Chicago wind chill warning: Cold Weather Advisory issued as Chicago weather forecast calls for snow, dangerous temps this weekend

Brace Yourself: Chicago Faces Bone-Chilling Wind Chill and Snowy Weekend in New Weather Alert

CHICAGO (WLS) — Prepare for a snowy and freezing weekend as severe…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Jacksonville Man Survives Shocking Roommate Shooting: A Nighttime Attack Unfolds

A Jacksonville man is on the mend after an incident involving his…