Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger is set to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 23, in a Boise courtroom. The 30-year-old former PhD student in criminology is accused of brutally stabbing Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves to death in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, at a rental home near their campus in Moscow, Idaho.
Now *THIS* is how you give an impact statement that will undoubtedly get under Kohberger’s skin. Holy shit.
Alivea Goncalves throws some punches here. pic.twitter.com/CkWqPWm9vO
— Frosty (@FrostyTakes) July 23, 2025
Plea Deal Sparks Outrage
Kohberger recently pleaded guilty to all counts related to the horrific murders, a plea that spared him from the death penalty. This decision has infuriated family members of the victims, including Kaylee’s parents, who expressed their anguish over the plea deal.
Overview of Charges Against Bryan Kohberger
Kohberger faces serious charges, including:
- Four counts of first-degree murder
- One count of burglary
Each count of first-degree murder carries a potential life sentence, while the burglary charge comes with a possible 10-year sentence.
Emotional Victim Impact Statements
The sentencing began with a poignant victim impact statement from surviving roommate Bethany Funke. Many others also spoke in court, including survivor Dylan Mortensen and family members of the victims.
Madison’s father, Ben Mogen, shared heartfelt memories, visibly choked with emotion as he stated, “Maddie was my only child. … I thought we would have the rest of our lives together to be together and know each other, and I really took her for granted.”
He read aloud the last Father’s Day card Madison had written him, which expressed her love and future plans to spend time together. The card read:
“Happy Father’s Day. I hope you have the best day. I can’t wait till we can hang out again soon. I’ll be in Coeur d’Alene … hopefully we can find the time then. I love your birthday card that you sent me, by the way. Maybe we can see a concert sometime soon. I’d love to see the gorge when it’s not so smoky out. I hope you’re doing well. I’m proud of how far you’ve come. Thank you for always encouraging me to do my best. Love you lots and lots. Love, Maddie Mae.”
Ben also revealed the struggles he faced with addiction and substance abuse, adding, “And when I wasn’t wanting to live anymore, she was what would keep me from just not caring anymore.”
