Bryan Kohberger has reached a plea deal in the deaths of four University of Idaho students.

The families of the victims received a letter from Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson indicating that a plea deal has been reached, avoiding a trial and leading to Kohberger confessing to taking their child’s life while sparing his own. Kohberger will admit guilt to four murder charges and one felony count of robbery, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole and forfeiting his right to appeal.

The judge still has to approve the plea deal. Judges have the final say on plea deals, even when the prosecution and defense agree on the terms.

According to the letter from Bryan Thompson, Kohberger’s legal team approached the state last week seeking a deal. Thompson states that after consulting with available family members and evaluating the best course of action, a formal offer was presented to Kohberger.

The letter further explains, “We cannot comprehend the impact this case has had on your family. This resolution is our earnest effort to deliver justice for your family. This agreement guarantees the defendant’s conviction, ensures he will spend the remainder of his life in prison, and eliminates the potential for decades of uncertain post-conviction appeals that could affect you and other families.”

After hearing that a deal has been offered to Bryan Kohberger, the family of Kaylee Goncalves went public with their disappointment over the decision. Kaylee was just 21 when she was murdered in Moscow, and her family has been one of the most outspoken since their nightmare began, and they are not happy the prosecution has decided to let Kohberger avoid the death penalty.

A post on the Goncalves family Facebook page posted minutes after the deal was announced says, “We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was unexpected.”

Joining Nancy Grace today:

Additional Guests

Howard Blum – Author: “When The Night Comes Falling, A Requiem for The Idaho Student Murders;” Instagram: howard_blum_author, X: howardblum   

Dave Mack  – Crime Stories  Investigative Reporter

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts

[Feature Photo: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho. A judge overseeing the case against Kohberger, charged with killing four University of Idaho students last fall, is set to hear arguments over a gag order that largely bars attorneys and other parties in the case from speaking with news reporters. (Zach Wilkinson/Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool)]