Last week, the courtroom in Moscow, Idaho, was the scene of a tense and emotional moment as Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the brutal 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students.
But the plea deal that spared him the death penalty has put the spotlight on the longtime prosecutor behind the case, Bill Thompson — a man known for rarely seeking capital punishment.
Bill Thompson’s 33 Years of Legal Experience and Plea Deals
Bill Thompson, Latah County’s Prosecuting Attorney, has been in office for 33 years and has gained a reputation for opting for plea bargains over death sentences.
In fact, throughout his career, he has never secured a death sentence for any of the killers he has convicted.
During the July 2 hearing, Thompson grew visibly emotional, even shedding tears as he detailed the horrific timeline of the killings.
The plea deal means Kohberger will spend life in prison without the possibility of parole — a resolution that has divided the victims’ families and the community.
History of Avoiding Death Penalty in High-Profile Cases
Thompson’s approach isn’t new. Eight years prior, he brokered a similar deal with John Lee, who admitted to killing three people but avoided the death penalty.
Likewise, in 2014, Thompson accepted a plea from Silas Parks, who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter after strangling his pregnant wife, avoiding capital charges due to lack of premeditation evidence.
The only death sentence Thompson ever obtained, back in 2000, was later overturned by the state Supreme Court.
He did not pursue reinstatement, reflecting his tendency to steer away from the death penalty.
Emotional Courtroom Moment as Details of the Crime Were Unveiled
During the hearing, Thompson narrated the chilling sequence of events: Kohberger had stalked the victims’ home, entered through a side door, and murdered Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves on the third floor.
He then killed Xana Kernodle as she descended the stairs and finally stabbed Ethan Chapin in his bedroom.
Throughout the proceedings, Kohberger remained expressionless, calmly admitting guilt and acknowledging that he would never be eligible for parole.
Mixed Reactions from Victims’ Families
Reactions to the plea deal have been deeply divided.
Some families, like the Mogen family, expressed relief at the resolution, appreciating the chance to finally close this painful chapter.
Ben Mogen, Madison’s father, told CBS News that the deal lets them focus on moving forward without the stress of ongoing court dates.
Meanwhile, the Goncalves family felt betrayed and angry, criticizing the prosecutor’s office for their lack of communication and the rushed nature of the plea.
“We weren’t even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached,” they said in a statement, expressing their frustration with how the case was handled.
Bill Thompson’s Final Case Before Retirement
This case is expected to be Thompson’s last before retirement.
The 68-year-old prosecutor, who has been Latah County’s top law official since 1992, is known not only for his legal work but also for playing guitar in a local band during his downtime.
Moscow’s mayor, Art Bettge, believes Thompson stayed on for one last term just to see this case through, rather than passing the heavy responsibility to a newcomer.
True Crime Podcast Explores the Case Further
For those interested in the details behind this shocking case and Kohberger’s unexpected guilty plea, journalist Laura Collins dives deeper in a special episode of the popular True Crime podcast, The Trial.
The show is available through The Crime Desk website, offering a comprehensive look at the investigation and courtroom drama.