Bryan Kohberger, who has been charged with the murder of four University of Idaho students, appeared in court at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, on July 2, 2025. Following a recent ruling by Judge Steven Hippler to lift the gag order on the case, law enforcement officials have begun to share details about the ongoing investigation and Kohberger’s interactions with the police.
Moscow Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger highlighted the department’s dedication to seeking justice for the victims, stating, “We’ve been focused on the victims and bringing justice for the victims. That was our mission, so that mission was accomplished.” The police have expressed their commitment to transparency as they prepare to release more details regarding the case.
Kohberger, who entered a guilty plea at a hearing on July 2, is set to be sentenced next week on July 23. In accordance with a plea agreement, he is expected to receive four consecutive life sentences for the first-degree murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, along with a maximum of 10 years for a burglary charge.
During the gruesome incident, which took place in November 2022, all four students were tragically stabbed to death at their off-campus residence on King Road. Kohberger’s arrest occurred nearly seven weeks later, sparking significant public interest and media coverage.
Further insights were provided by Gary Jenkins, the police chief at Washington State University, who had previously interviewed Kohberger for an intern position in April 2022. Jenkins noted that Kohberger did not display the personable qualities necessary for building trust with law enforcement officers. When he learned Kohberger’s name was linked to the quadruple homicide case, it left him feeling uneasy.
Jenkins also shared that some faculty members from Kohberger’s criminology program expressed a sense of responsibility, reflecting on how they could not have foreseen the tragic outcomes that followed his admission to the program.
The gravity of this case weighs heavily on the affected families and the community at large. As Kohberger’s sentencing approaches, there is a shared hope among the families and the Moscow community for healing and closure from this horrific event.
Overall, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the case, there remains a commitment from law enforcement and the community to support the victims’ families and foster a sense of healing as they look to move forward.