() The father of Idaho murder victim Kaylee Goncalves apologized to his slain daughter for the surprise plea deal he opposes allowing killer Bryan Kohberger to escape the death penalty.
Steve Goncalves has been vocal in his criticism of the agreement between prosecutors and Kohberger, who admitted in court Wednesday to fatally stabbing Kaylee and three of her University of Idaho friends Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin in November 2022. The father said the family feels they were “used” by government attorneys as prosecutors compiled a mountain of evidence.
The elder Goncalves said he would have preferred the option of a trial and potential death sentence for 30-year-old Kohberger. Instead, he’ll spend the rest of his life behind bars.
“It’s my mistake. I’m sorry Kaylee,” Goncalves said during a “Banfield” appearance Wednesday evening. “I’m truly sorry that I didn’t get you a prosecutor who really believed what happened to you could only be fixed with life.”
Kohberger’s trial had been slated to begin in August. Now, he is scheduled to be formally sentenced July 23. Gongalves said he doubts he’ll offer a victim-impact statement in court.
“It’s a pointless exercise,” said Goncalves, who would not enter the courtroom for Wednesday’s hearing.
Kohberger should get ‘welcome gift’ in prison
Asked what he would say to Kohberger if he had the opportunity, Goncalves said he would call him a “complete loser.”
“I’m ashamed that we couldn’t have ended you … you beat me on that. My bad.”
The father said he hopes inmates who share prison space with Kohberger will ostracize him or worse.
“They say there’s such thing as a prison justice, and some of those people have reached out to me,” Goncalves said. “Maybe they have a welcome gift for him … Welcome to Idaho.”
Family members of other victims have come out in support of the Kohberger plea deal, saying it offers a measure of closure.
Although no motive for the killings was disclosed in court Wednesday, it’s possible Kohberger may offer some explanation at sentencing.
