Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murder of four University of Idaho students in November 2022, saving himself from the possibility of the death penalty.
The 30-year-old former Ph.D. criminology student appeared at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, before Judge Steven Hippler on Wednesday to accept the controversial plea deal brokered by his defense team. Wearing a white button-down shirt and tie, Kohberger confessed to the heinous murders just weeks before jury selection in the death penalty trial was set to begin.
As part of the agreement, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin and one count of felony burglary. In exchange, he agreed to face four consecutive life sentences, plus a 10-year sentence for felony burglary. Kohberger also waived his right to appeal or seek a reduction in sentence.
Family members of the victims – who remain divided over the agreement – were present for the hearing, and the judge set a sentencing date of July 23 at which time they will be allowed to address the court. Kohberger’s parents were also in the courtroom.
On Wednesday, Megyn anchored live coverage of the hearing and was joined by legal experts Matt Murphy and Phil Holloway and journalist Howard Blum to discuss the stunning plea and why it amounts to “a bad day for justice” in America.
Reflecting on Depravity of the Crime
Megyn, Murphy, and Blum discuss the depravity of the murders as Kohberger accepted the plea deal, the disconnect between the prosecution and the victim’s families, whether this feels like justice for the victims, and more.
How Prosecutors Dropped the Ball
Breaking down the most extraordinary moments during the hearing, the prosecution’s failure to pursue the death penalty after insisting they had the evidence for it, questions around the ethics of the decision to allow the plea, and more.
Critiquing Judge and Prosecutor’s Actions
The issue of the prosecutor’s performative tearing up while talking about the evidence in the case, the judge mispronouncing the name of one of the victims, the anger at least one the victims’ family feels towards the prosecution, and more.
You can check out Megyn’s full analysis by tuning in to episode 1,100 on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s Triumph (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.