Victims' families offer mixed reactions to Kohberger plea deal

The families of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen had mixed reactions after Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday in the stabbing deaths of the four University of Idaho students.

In a statement given to The Press by the family’s legal representation, the Goncalves family called the plea an “easy way out.”

“A plea (made) everything go away for them and lets them get back to their normal routine,” the statement said. “This plea did not represent the victims’ families; it represented an easy way out and no answers.”

The Goncalves family had hoped for answers about Kohberger’s motives for the murder of the four students, which remain unclear.

The statement also criticized Judge Steve Hippler for “stand(ing) on his soapbox” at the beginning of the hearing, where he said he would not be taking public opinion into account when deciding on whether to accept the agreement.

“Everyone loves the justice system until you get involved in it,” the statement added. “We will move on to sentencing and will be hopeful that the Court will allow for some much-needed grace moving forward.”

The statement concluded by thanking those who have supported the family since Goncalves’ death.

Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves, left the courthouse before Kohberger entered.

“I’m just getting out of this zoo,” Goncalves told reporters.

Kernodle’s family has also expressed dissatisfaction with the plea.

“After nearly three years of waiting and being told there would be a trial, with evidence presented to convict him, I’m disappointed in the prosecutors’ decision,” Kernodle’s father told the New York Times in a statement.

Meanwhile, the families of Chapin and Mogen have both stated their support for the deal.

“While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho,” a statement from Mogen’s mother and stepfather said, adding that it was a path to “hope and healing.”