Topline: The Goncalves family says they fought for the death penalty but were blindsided by a plea deal they say was presented without real input.
Published: July 1, 2025 7:00 am ET
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Background: Bryan Kohberger appears in court (Courtesy NBC News). Inset: Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Moge. (via Kaylee Goncalves Instagram)
MOSCOW, ID — Whether Bryan Kohberger will be allowed to plead guilty in the high-profile University of Idaho killings now rests with a judge—who, despite an agreement between prosecution and defense, has the authority to say no.
According to ABC News, Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to all charges in the brutal 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Under the plea agreement, he would receive four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus a 10-year maximum for burglary, in exchange for sparing him the death penalty. The deal includes a complete waiver of his right to appeal, and prosecutors plan to seek restitution for the victims’ families, ABC News reported.
A change of plea hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, and sentencing is expected to follow later in July—just weeks before the previously scheduled start of jury selection on August 4.
But despite the apparent resolution, the plea isn’t final.
Former King County Superior Court Judge Timothy Bradshaw told KING5 that the judge overseeing the case must independently assess whether the plea meets constitutional standards.
“If a judge does not conclude that it is voluntary or that it’s a product of some sort of coercion, then yeah, the judge can reject it,” Bradshaw explained. “The judge has an affirmative duty to make that determination.”
Bradshaw also noted the potential complications from the deal being made public in advance of Wednesday’s hearing: “Should the plea not go through? Not be accepted? That is going to be further taint on a jury pool.”
Behind the legal mechanics is an emotional rift between prosecutors and at least one of the victims’ families, who say they were sidelined in the decision to settle the case without a trial. The Goncalves family, in particular, has expressed deep frustration, accusing the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office of mishandling the process.
“They vaguely mentioned a possible plea on Friday, without seeking our input, and presented the plea on Sunday,” the Goncalves family said in a statement on Facebook. “Latah County should be ashamed of its Prosecutor’s Office… 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.”
The family also shared their personal perspective more candidly on social media. In a Facebook post, a family member clarified that although they were informed Friday of the possibility of a plea, they clearly voiced opposition.
“It was a HARD NO from our family,” the post stated. “Sunday night we received an email that sent us scrambling. We immediately jumped into panic mode… Unfortunately all of our efforts did not matter.” The post concluded with a message of gratitude toward their supporters: “We fought a long battle, but we lost the war. We did gain an army of love that we know will always stand by us.”
According to the letter sent to families by prosecutors, Kohberger’s defense team initiated plea discussions last week. The state then consulted with available relatives before extending a formal offer. “This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,” prosecutors wrote, emphasizing their intent to prevent years of appeals and uncertainty.
Whether the resolution stands, however, now hinges on the court’s determination. The law allows a judge to reject any plea that is found to be coerced or procedurally flawed. In a case already fraught with grief, publicity, and procedural complexity, the final word on Kohberger’s fate may not come from a signed agreement—but from the bench.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Can the Judge Say No? Kohberger Guilty Plea Faces Final Hurdle in Court
The Goncalves family says they fought for the death penalty but were blindsided by a plea deal they say was presented without real input.
By Jacob Charles
Published: July 1, 2025 7:00 am ET
Background: Bryan Kohberger appears in court (Courtesy NBC News). Inset: Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Moge. (via Kaylee Goncalves Instagram)
MOSCOW, ID — Whether Bryan Kohberger will be allowed to plead guilty in the high-profile University of Idaho killings now rests with a judge—who, despite an agreement between prosecution and defense, has the authority to say no.
According to ABC News, Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to all charges in the brutal 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Under the plea agreement, he would receive four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus a 10-year maximum for burglary, in exchange for sparing him the death penalty. The deal includes a complete waiver of his right to appeal, and prosecutors plan to seek restitution for the victims’ families, ABC News reported.
A change of plea hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, and sentencing is expected to follow later in July—just weeks before the previously scheduled start of jury selection on August 4.
But despite the apparent resolution, the plea isn’t final.
Former King County Superior Court Judge Timothy Bradshaw told KING5 that the judge overseeing the case must independently assess whether the plea meets constitutional standards.
“If a judge does not conclude that it is voluntary or that it’s a product of some sort of coercion, then yeah, the judge can reject it,” Bradshaw explained. “The judge has an affirmative duty to make that determination.”
Bradshaw also noted the potential complications from the deal being made public in advance of Wednesday’s hearing: “Should the plea not go through? Not be accepted? That is going to be further taint on a jury pool.”
Behind the legal mechanics is an emotional rift between prosecutors and at least one of the victims’ families, who say they were sidelined in the decision to settle the case without a trial. The Goncalves family, in particular, has expressed deep frustration, accusing the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office of mishandling the process.
“They vaguely mentioned a possible plea on Friday, without seeking our input, and presented the plea on Sunday,” the Goncalves family said in a statement on Facebook. “Latah County should be ashamed of its Prosecutor’s Office… 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.”
The family also shared their personal perspective more candidly on social media. In a Facebook post, a family member clarified that although they were informed Friday of the possibility of a plea, they clearly voiced opposition.
“It was a HARD NO from our family,” the post stated. “Sunday night we received an email that sent us scrambling. We immediately jumped into panic mode… Unfortunately all of our efforts did not matter.” The post concluded with a message of gratitude toward their supporters: “We fought a long battle, but we lost the war. We did gain an army of love that we know will always stand by us.”
According to the letter sent to families by prosecutors, Kohberger’s defense team initiated plea discussions last week. The state then consulted with available relatives before extending a formal offer. “This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,” prosecutors wrote, emphasizing their intent to prevent years of appeals and uncertainty.
Whether the resolution stands, however, now hinges on the court’s determination. The law allows a judge to reject any plea that is found to be coerced or procedurally flawed. In a case already fraught with grief, publicity, and procedural complexity, the final word on Kohberger’s fate may not come from a signed agreement—but from the bench.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Can the Judge Say No? Kohberger Guilty Plea Faces Final Hurdle in Court
The Goncalves family says they fought for the death penalty but were blindsided by a plea deal they say was presented without real input.
By Jacob Charles
Published: July 1, 2025 7:00 am ET
Background: Bryan Kohberger appears in court (Courtesy NBC News). Inset: Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Moge. (via Kaylee Goncalves Instagram)
MOSCOW, ID — Whether Bryan Kohberger will be allowed to plead guilty in the high-profile University of Idaho killings now rests with a judge—who, despite an agreement between prosecution and defense, has the authority to say no.
According to ABC News, Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to all charges in the brutal 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Under the plea agreement, he would receive four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus a 10-year maximum for burglary, in exchange for sparing him the death penalty. The deal includes a complete waiver of his right to appeal, and prosecutors plan to seek restitution for the victims’ families, ABC News reported.
A change of plea hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, and sentencing is expected to follow later in July—just weeks before the previously scheduled start of jury selection on August 4.
But despite the apparent resolution, the plea isn’t final.
Former King County Superior Court Judge Timothy Bradshaw told KING5 that the judge overseeing the case must independently assess whether the plea meets constitutional standards.
“If a judge does not conclude that it is voluntary or that it’s a product of some sort of coercion, then yeah, the judge can reject it,” Bradshaw explained. “The judge has an affirmative duty to make that determination.”
Bradshaw also noted the potential complications from the deal being made public in advance of Wednesday’s hearing: “Should the plea not go through? Not be accepted? That is going to be further taint on a jury pool.”
Behind the legal mechanics is an emotional rift between prosecutors and at least one of the victims’ families, who say they were sidelined in the decision to settle the case without a trial. The Goncalves family, in particular, has expressed deep frustration, accusing the Latah County Prosecutor’s Office of mishandling the process.
“They vaguely mentioned a possible plea on Friday, without seeking our input, and presented the plea on Sunday,” the Goncalves family said in a statement on Facebook. “Latah County should be ashamed of its Prosecutor’s Office… 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.”
The family also shared their personal perspective more candidly on social media. In a Facebook post, a family member clarified that although they were informed Friday of the possibility of a plea, they clearly voiced opposition.
“It was a HARD NO from our family,” the post stated. “Sunday night we received an email that sent us scrambling. We immediately jumped into panic mode… Unfortunately all of our efforts did not matter.” The post concluded with a message of gratitude toward their supporters: “We fought a long battle, but we lost the war. We did gain an army of love that we know will always stand by us.”
According to the letter sent to families by prosecutors, Kohberger’s defense team initiated plea discussions last week. The state then consulted with available relatives before extending a formal offer. “This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,” prosecutors wrote, emphasizing their intent to prevent years of appeals and uncertainty.
Whether the resolution stands, however, now hinges on the court’s determination. The law allows a judge to reject any plea that is found to be coerced or procedurally flawed. In a case already fraught with grief, publicity, and procedural complexity, the final word on Kohberger’s fate may not come from a signed agreement—but from the bench.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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