Bryan Kohberger Pleads Not Guilty to University of Idaho Murders

An update on the quadruple homicide that shocked the nation.

Bryan Kohberger is pictured with his lawyer Anne Taylor.

After months of searching for the suspect of the notorious University of Idaho murders, police finally arrested the perpetrator, Bryan Kohberger. He was taken into custody at his parents' Pennsylvania home on December 30, 2022. Today he attended his arraignment at Latah County District Court and when asked to plead, he strangely stood silent in front of the judge. By him not responding, the judge proceeded to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Kohberger was tracked down by police after they discovered a knife sheath by one of the victims' bodies at the crime scene with his DNA found on a button.

Kohberger graduated with a masters degree in criminology at Washington State University last year. It has been reported that he has been carefully combing through the details of his court case while in jail, so it is not surprising he chose to cautiously remain silent. During his time in jail, he had his defense team subpoena one of the surviving roommates, Bethany Funke, to testify on his behalf at the trial. At first Funke was opposed, however both sides eventually came to some sort of an agreement.

As more information has come forward since his arrest, many people have branded him an incel; involuntary celibate. An incel, is described as an online subculture of individuals who define themselves as being unable to get a romantic or sexual partner despite desiring one. After Kohberger was arrested, some people came forward to describe his bizarre behavior. Several months ago, Kohberger visited the Seven Sirens Brewing Company several times, and was known to harass the women who worked there, owner Jordan Serulneck reported.

Court documents said Kohberger “did unlawfully enter” a home in Moscow, Idaho, before "unlawfully, deliberately, with premeditation and with malice aforethought, kill and murder” victims Maddie Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20.

The prosecution now has 60 days to decide whether or not to pursue the death penalty. Victim Kaylee Goncalves' family has expressed their support for the death penalty. A few months ago in a NewsNation interview, Kaylee's mother Kristi was asked about capital punishment. Kristi, responded: "We're glad that we live in Idaho," one of 27 states where the death penalty still stands.

A trial date has been set for October 2, 2023.