Idaho inmate files petition to withdraw guilty plea in university murders

Bryan Kohberger, who was convicted of the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students and is serving four consecutive life terms, filed a petition for post-conviction relief in Ada County District Court on Monday. The filing, which indicates Kohberger is representing himself, seeks to withdraw his guilty plea entered in July 2025. In an interview with The New York Times, Kohberger asserted his innocence and said the plea was based on false promises and misinformation.

"My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn,"

He described the state investigators’ account as a "myopic narrative" and a "work of fiction," adding that its premises were never challenged at trial. Kohberger had previously admitted to killing the four students – Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin – during a burglary at an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said his office is prepared to take any steps necessary to ensure justice is fully carried out.

"My heart goes out to the families of Madison, Kaylee, Xana, and Ethan, who have already endured unimaginable loss and now must face today’s deeply painful news,"

The Goncalves family criticized the newspaper for giving Kohberger a platform and reiterated their desire for him to face trial, including the possibility of the death penalty. They characterized his new petition as an attempt to gain another public appearance.

"He wants another chance to roll the dice," the family said, adding that the defendant would receive "another day in court—a welcome break from solitary confinement: a ride, perhaps different food, photos taken, and the spotlight once again fixed on him and his supposed ‘innocence’."