Man serving life sentences for Idaho student murders files post-conviction petition

Bryan Kohberger, a former doctoral student in criminal justice, filed a petition for post-conviction relief on Monday, according to court records. Kohberger, who is representing himself, previously pleaded guilty in July 2022 to the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho, and received four life sentences without parole.

In a prior interview with The New York Times, Kohberger said he filed the petition because he believes he was misled into confessing. Prosecutors had indicated that DNA evidence linked him to a knife sheath found at the scene, and they planned to present surveillance footage of his vehicle and cellphone data placing him near the killings. The murder weapon has not been recovered and a motive remains unidentified.

"He received exactly what he asked for: a deal that spared his life," a statement from the Goncalves family said, adding that Kohberger chose not to let a jury decide his fate.

The family also criticized the public focus on Kohberger’s legal efforts, suggesting that more attention should be directed toward honoring the victims.