Four college students were killed on November 13, 2022 at an off-campus home.
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Brian Kohberger, the suspect in the gruesome University of Idaho murders, according to new court filings.
The filing states, “The State is issuing this notice based on the fact that no mitigating circumstances have been identified or presented that would preclude the trier of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho Legislature, including the possibility of the death penalty. Consequently, considering all the evidence currently known to the State, this is an intent to seek the death penalty.” Government has been compelled to file notification.
Kohberger is accused of stabbing four college students to death at an off-campus home on November 13, 2022.
Victims: Kaylee Goncalves; his lifelong best friend and roommate, Madison Mohan; a third roommate, Sana Kernodil; and Kernotill’s boyfriend, Ethan Chapin. Two other roommates escaped the shocking crime that gained national attention.
Kohberger, 28, was arrested on December 30, 2022, after six weeks of searching for a suspect. Kohberger’s Ph.D. A student at nearby Washington State University at the time of the murders.
Kayleigh Goncalves’ family released a statement Monday evening saying they were “grateful” to prosecutors who sought the death penalty.
“There is no one more deserving of this case than the defendant. We continue to pray for all the families affected and appreciate all the support we have received,” the family said in a statement.
Kohberger chose to “stand still” at the hearing last month. After not responding, the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
After the May hearing, prosecutors had 60 days to file notice of whether they would seek the death penalty.
Kohberger’s arraignment is set for Oct. 2.
ABC News’ Nick Chiron contributed to this report.
