Crime scene yellow tape
Crime scene yellow tape Photo from Pexels

On 23 July 2025, almost three years after the brutal murder of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho, suspect Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison for the killings. During the sentencing hearing, Alivea Goncalves, sister of victim Kaylee Goncalves, delivered a powerful statement that reignited public interest in the suspect's family and the early police response to the crime.

The sentencing took place in Boise, with Kohberger pleading guilty as part of a deal to avoid the death penalty.

Goncalves Family Speaks Out in Court

The courtroom heard emotional testimonies from families of the Idaho murder victims. Among the most striking was that of Alivea Goncalves, who delivered a scathing statement directly addressing Bryan Kohberger.

'They were not yours to study, to stalk or to silence,' Alivea said, referring to her sister Kaylee and her close friend Madison Mogen, who were both killed. She went on to describe Kohberger as a 'delusional, pathetic, hypochondriac loser.'

Alivea's remarks were widely shared across media platforms like KTVB, which also uploaded the full statement of Alivea. The speech has renewed scrutiny of the suspect's background, including his relationship with his own family.

Spotlight on Amanda Kohberger

Present during the sentencing were Kohberger's mother, Maryann, and his sister, Amanda Kohberger. Both were seated in the courtroom but did not address the media or the court. According to People, Bryan Kohberger avoided any eye contact with his family members and walked past them without acknowledgement as he exited the courtroom.

Amanda Kohberger has remained largely silent throughout the legal proceedings. Public interest in her has grown since her brother's arrest, particularly given her prior employment as a school counsellor. She was placed on leave following Bryan's arrest in December 2022.

Early Investigation and Moscow Police Department Response

The Moscow Police Department initially faced criticism during the early stages of the Idaho murders investigation. In December 2022, officials released a statement urging the public to avoid speculation and false assumptions, as misinformation was said to be hindering the investigative process.

Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger later described the killings as a 'horrendous act', adding that the department hoped the resolution of the case would bring some measure of healing to the community. Despite these comments, families of the victims, including the Goncalves family, have expressed frustration over the pace and communication of the investigation.

Alivea Goncalves' comments have once again brought these concerns to the forefront, as questions persist about the timeline of the investigation and whether more transparency from law enforcement could have been achieved earlier.

Continuing Impact on Survivors and Families

Beyond the legal proceedings, the emotional toll on the surviving roommates and families remains significant. Dylan Mortensen, who was inside the house at the time of the attack, stated in court that she suffers from panic attacks that occur 'like a tsunami out of nowhere' and has lost all sense of trust.

Bethany Funke, another surviving roommate, shared her thoughts through a written statement read aloud in court. She described experiencing survivor's guilt, post-traumatic stress, and repeated online harassment. Funke said that although she survived, her life has been permanently altered.

The sentencing may have closed one chapter of the Idaho murders case, but the long-term impact continues for those left behind.

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