More than a year and a half after four University of Idaho students were brutally killed in their off-campus home, the man who admitted to the crime is facing sentencing.

Emotions are running high outside the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, where families of the victims, reporters, and members of the public have gathered for what is expected to be a day filled with heavy testimony and unanswered questions.

Families Arrive to Face Their Children’s Killer in Court

On Wednesday morning, relatives of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Xana Kernodle arrived at the courthouse.

They’re expected to deliver emotional impact statements directly to Bryan Kohberger, the 30-year-old former criminology PhD student who confessed to the murders as part of a plea deal.

Ethan Chapin’s parents, Stacy and Jim Chapin, however, are choosing not to attend.

Instead, they’re spending the day privately honoring their son with his triplet siblings at Priest Lake, far from the courtroom drama.

The Crime That Shook a Nation

Back in the early hours of November 13, 2022, four students—Kaylee, Madison, Xana, and Ethan—were stabbed to death inside their rented home in Moscow, Idaho.

Kaylee and Madison were found in the same bed. Xana, who had been awake waiting for a food delivery, was attacked next, followed by Ethan.

There were no signs of forced entry, and two other roommates inside the home were left unharmed.

Bryan Kohberger’s Day in Court

Now dressed in standard orange prison garb—unlike his previous court appearances in formal attire—Kohberger sits at the defense table awaiting his sentence.

Under the terms of his plea, he will avoid the death penalty but faces four consecutive life sentences, plus 10 years for burglary. He also gave up any right to appeal.

Donald Trump Calls for Answers

Adding an unexpected twist, former President Donald Trump commented on the case via his social platform earlier this week.

He criticized the plea deal and urged the judge to force Kohberger to publicly explain why he carried out such horrific murders.

What Happened During Kohberger’s Arrest?

New details have emerged from the night Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania.

A SWAT team, helicopters, and snipers were all involved in a dramatic midnight raid on his family’s home.

The chilling operation was described in depth in a new investigative podcast from the Daily Mail.

Tensions Run High at the Courthouse

The scene outside Ada County Courthouse is tense. Security is tight, with bomb-sniffing dogs and extra screening in place.

Xana Kernodle’s family was quietly ushered through a back entrance, and law enforcement warned against lingering near private access points.

Remembering the Victims

Each of the four students lived full and promising lives:

Ethan Chapin was a fun-loving athlete and fraternity brother, remembered as the heart of his triplet siblings.
Kaylee Goncalves had a job waiting for her in Austin, Texas, and was described as fiercely loyal and driven.
Xana Kernodle was outgoing and spontaneous, known for lighting up every room she entered.
Madison Mogen was kind and funny, planning a future in Boise with her longtime boyfriend.

Some Families Support the Plea Deal, Others Don’t

While Maddie Mogen’s family said the plea deal allows them space to begin healing, others—like the Goncalves and Kernodle families—are disappointed that Kohberger won’t face the death penalty.

Some even wished the deal had required him to reveal more about his motive or the details of the crime.

What Happens After Sentencing?

After the hearing, Kohberger will likely be transferred to the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, home to other high-profile criminals.

Now that the gag order on the case has been lifted, more details may emerge in the weeks ahead.

The court will also begin reviewing sealed records to decide what can be made public.

Will Kohberger Speak Today?

One key question still hangs in the air: Will Kohberger speak? He has the right to address the court and share his side—if he chooses.

Some families and even Trump are calling on the judge to make him explain why he committed the murders. But legally, he’s not obligated to speak at all.

Victim Impact Statements Set to Bring Closure—Or More Pain

Victims’ families and friends will have the opportunity to deliver their impact statements—either in person or through representatives.

This includes the two surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, who are expected to speak for the first time since the attack.

Final Thoughts as the Courtroom Fills

With Judge Steven Hippler set to hand down Kohberger’s sentence, this long and tragic chapter in Idaho’s history is approaching its end.

But for the families and the community, the pain will likely linger far beyond the courtroom walls.