Bryan Kohberger's Chilling Three Words Before Judge Handed Down Four Consecutive Life Sentences

In a case that stunned the nation and devastated families across Idaho, Bryan Kohberger, the man responsible for the grisly murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. As the sentence was handed down, the 30-year-old criminology PhD student offered just three words: 'I respectfully decline' — a chilling refusal to speak to the victims' loved ones.

A Sudden Guilty Plea Avoids Death Penalty

On 2 July, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin as part of a plea agreement to avoid capital punishment. The plea meant he would no longer face trial, which had been scheduled for August.

Judge Steven Hippler imposed four consecutive life terms for the murders and an additional 10 years for burglary. Each murder charge also carried a $50,000 fine and a $5,000 civil penalty for the victims' families.

'Evil Does Not Deserve Our Attention'

Before issuing the sentence, Judge Hippler described Kohberger's crimes as 'unfathomable and senseless', adding that they had inflicted 'immeasurable pain and loss'. He told the courtroom: 'His actions have made him the worst of the worst... nothing suggesting even a recognition or understanding, let alone regret for the pain he has caused.'

The judge concluded: 'In my view, it is time to end Mr Kohberger's 15 minutes of fame.'

Emotional Victim Impact Statements Fill The Courtroom

Grieving family members delivered searing victim impact statements. Kristi Goncalves, Kaylee's mother, said: 'You didn't just take her life, you shattered others... I am forever changed.'

Her daughter, Alivea Goncalves, directly confronted Kohberger: 'If you were really smart, do you think you'd be here right now?... You're a delusional, pathetic, hypochondriac loser.' She also accused him of being a coward for attacking in the night.

Others, like Xana Kernodle's mother, offered forgiveness, telling Kohberger: 'Jesus has allowed me to forgive you... I am washing my hands of you.'

Chilling Evidence Revealed Through Investigation

The murders occurred in the early hours of 13 November 2022, inside an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho. DNA recovered from a knife sheath at the crime scene — matched using genetic genealogy — led authorities to Kohberger, who was arrested weeks later in Pennsylvania.

Phone data showed he had been near the property several times before the murders, suggesting he may have been surveilling the victims. Investigators also discovered that Kohberger had purchased a Ka-Bar knife and sheath on Amazon earlier that year.

Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen recounted hearing strange noises that night and briefly seeing a masked man before hiding in fear. The two other roommates survived.

No Motive, No Explanation — Just Silence

Despite the overwhelming evidence and now a formal conviction, no motive has ever been confirmed. Kohberger never explained his actions, nor did he express remorse — something the families say makes the outcome even harder to bear.

He is now serving four life sentences at the Idaho State Correctional Institution, where he will remain without the possibility of parole.

As Judge Hippler declared, the time for fame is over. What remains is a life in silence and a community forever changed by the loss of four promising young lives.