Bryan Kohberger fights $27K restitution for victims’ families while taking money behind bars
Share this @internewscast.com

Today, Bryan Kohberger’s legal team is set to present their case before an Idaho judge, arguing against the full restitution amount he was ordered to pay following his guilty plea in a high-profile quadruple murder case. They contend that the funds should be adjusted because the victims’ families received financial support from GoFundMe donations.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at noon Eastern Time.

In response, prosecutors argue that Kohberger has a documented history of receiving financial contributions from his family and unnamed third parties while incarcerated. They assert that these funds should be directed to the families of the victims.

The dispute centers around approximately $27,000 intended for the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, aged 21, and the mother of Madison Mogen, also 21, to help cover travel and other expenses related to the case.

Idaho victims last photo

In a poignant Instagram post shared by Goncalves the day before the tragedy, Madison Mogen is seen smiling on her best friend Kaylee’s shoulders, alongside Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)

The brutal crime took place when Kohberger murdered the two young women in an upstairs bedroom of their rental home in Moscow, Idaho. He then proceeded downstairs, where he killed their roommate, 20-year-old Xana Kernodle, and her sleeping boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, also 20.

The sources of Kohberger’s prison funds are not immediately clear, but throughout his case, supporters have claimed to have sent money to his commissary in posts on social media.

Prosecutors filed his jailhouse financial history under seal.

Bryan Kohberger adjusts his seat at the Ada County Courthouse, wearing an orange jail jumpsuit over a white T-shirt

Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse for his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Images)

Paul Mauro, a retired NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor who has been following the case, said some of the money could be coming from female supporters, but large sums could come from media outlets seeking exclusive interviews.

Kohberger has never told his story, and told the judge he would “respectfully decline,” when given the opportunity to speak at his sentencing.

He said it’s not unrealistic to think that someone would offer Kohberger between five and six figures to break his silence.

General view of the prison where Bryan Kohberger is serving his life sentence

Exterior view of Idaho State Correctional Complex in Kuna, Idaho, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Notorious killer, Bryan Kohberger is being housed at this facility after being sentenced in the stabbing murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

If Kohberger does eventually speak out, he likely will not be able to profit, Fox News Digital reported previously. Like New York’s 1977 “Son of Sam” law, Idaho has legislation that helps prevent criminals from making money through detailing their offenses.

According to Idaho law, if a criminal signs a deal to profit from telling their crime story — including through a movie, book or magazine article — the profits first go to the state treasurer to be sent to an escrow account. Victims or their families, who must be notified, can claim the money through civil lawsuits within five years.

As part of his plea deal to avoid the death penalty, Kohberger agreed to pay more than $250,000 in criminal fines and fees plus another $20,000 in civil judgments to each victim’s family.

His lawyers argued last month that he shouldn’t have to pay another roughly $20,000 to Goncalves’ parents or nearly $7,000 more to Mogen’s mother, Karen Laramie, in travel and accommodation expenses requested by the prosecution.

“The additional funds sought do not qualify as an economic loss under Idaho Code 19-5304 because Steve and Kristi Goncalves and Karen Larmie (sic) received extensive funds through multiple GoFundMe campaigns that specifically asked for and covered the expenses sought,” attorneys Anne Taylor, Elisa Massoth and Bicka Barlow wrote in a court filing.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Murder charge added for Jacksonville inmate accused of beating cellmate a week before her death

Jacksonville Inmate Faces Murder Charge Following Cellmate Assault Prior to Her Death

Virginia Hampton has been charged with murder following the tragic death of…
DHS fires back after viral video sparks claims about ICE daycare raid in blue city

DHS Debunks Viral ICE Daycare Raid Claims: The Real Story Behind the Controversial Video

On Wednesday, officials clarified that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were…
Sydney Sweeney breaks silence on backlash to American Eagle ad

Sydney Sweeney Addresses Controversy Surrounding American Eagle Advertisement

Despite the unexpected backlash, the “Euphoria” actress remains firm in her support…
Nursery apologizes for alleged antisemitic remark to jobseeker in rejection text message: 'Repugnant'

Nursery Faces Backlash Over Alleged Antisemitic Rejection Text: A Deep Dive Into the Controversy

Public anger surged when a young Israeli woman seeking employment received a…
Ex-DOJ worker accused of hurling sandwich that ‘exploded’ on federal officer claims it was protest, not crime

Former DOJ Employee Defends Sandwich Throwing as a Form of Protest, Not a Crime

In a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., a man stands firm in…
Dave Portnoy Rejoices Over Leaving NYC After Socialist Zohran Mamdani's Election

Dave Portnoy Celebrates Exit from NYC Following Zohran Mamdani’s Election Victory

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy expressed immense relief at having left New…
Free pet food distribution for SNAP recipients hosted by Chicago Animal Care and Control in Pilsen

Chicago Animal Care and Control Offers Free Pet Food to SNAP Recipients in Pilsen

In response to the recent suspension of SNAP benefits due to the…
FBI names third man accused of planning Halloween terror attack in Michigan

FBI Identifies Third Suspect in Michigan Halloween Terror Plot

In a significant development in Michigan, a third individual has been implicated…
Virginia election winners break race and gender barriers amid national scrutiny on diversity

Historic Wins in Virginia Elections: Breaking Race and Gender Barriers Under National Diversity Spotlight

RICHMOND, Va. – As polls closed across Virginia on Tuesday, the evening…
Kari Lake Orders End of U.S. Taxpayer Funding for Globalist Hungarian Radio

Kari Lake Halts U.S. Taxpayer Funding for Hungarian Radio, Citing Globalist Concerns

The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has officially informed Congress…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: New York's new mayor leaves city's Jewish community terrified

New York’s Jewish Community Alarmed by Mayor’s Policies: Fox News’ ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Highlights Growing Concerns

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter uncovers the surge of anti-Jewish sentiment both…
The remains and stories of Native American students are being reclaimed from a Pennsylvania cemetery

Reclaiming History: Native American Students’ Remains Returned from Pennsylvania Cemetery

In October 1879, before the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania even…