In a shocking turn of events, Bryan Kohberger, a 30-year-old former criminology Ph. D. student, has pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.
Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett, speaking on "Hannity," attributed Kohberger's guilty plea to the compelling evidence amassed by the prosecution.
"Kohberger, he knew what he did. He knew he was headed for a very quick conviction and the death penalty. So after this two-and-a-half year charade, he finally confessed to save his own life," Jarrett said on the show, as reported by the Daily Caller.
The victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kernodles boyfriend Ethan Chapin, were ruthlessly murdered in an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Two roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortenson, survived the attack. The survivors reported seeing a man dressed in black clothing and a mask near the house prior to the incident.
The case remained shrouded in mystery for weeks, with Kohberger eventually apprehended at his parents' home in Pennsylvania after a month-long manhunt. The breakthrough in the case came from Kohberger's cell phone data, which placed him at the crime scene 23 times. Further evidence, including security footage and DNA matched to a knife sheath found at the scene, pointed to Kohberger as the perpetrator.
Jarrett lauded the prosecution's efforts, stating, A credit, I think, is owed to the prosecutors and investigators. They methodically assembled a very powerful case. No defense could overcome it. They forced Kohberger to accept their terms. No possibility of parole on a life sentence, waive all rights to appeal. Philosophically, life in prison or death, thats a Hobsons choice."
However, the plea deal has sparked outrage among the victims' families, particularly the Goncalves family, who expressed their disappointment that Kohberger would escape the death penalty. Jarrett acknowledged their anger, stating, One can argue that a miserable life behind bars is worse. It is understandable, having said that, that the family of at least one of the victims is angry at the deal. They wanted death.
Despite the family's anger, Jarrett emphasized the government's role in deciding the course of action. He said, But, as I say, ultimately, its up to the government. They felt a confession that puts him away forever, avoids the trauma of a trial and endless appeals that stretch on for years, if not decades, was a better option.
Drawing parallels with the infamous Leopold and Loeb case, Jarrett pointed out Kohberger's amateurish mistakes that led to his self-incrimination. This reminds me of the famous Leopold and Loeb case, two guys who thought they were so smart they could commit the perfect murder. And, like Kohberger, they left a trail of amateurish mistakes that incriminated them. Kohberger is not so smart. He convicted himself, he said.
In the aftermath of the plea deal announcement, the Goncalves family expressed their fury at the State of Idaho on a Facebook group page, stating, Its true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support.
Before the tragic incident, Kohberger was studying at nearby Washington State University. He had reportedly messaged one of the victims multiple times online and had been seen casing the students' off-campus home at least 12 times before the murders.
His trial was slated to begin on August 11, with jury selection commencing on August 4. Now, with his guilty plea, Kohberger faces four consecutive life sentences and a maximum penalty of 10 years for burglary, a fate that some argue is a more fitting punishment than death.
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