Generated

Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in University of Idaho murders, claiming absolute innocence

Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, is seeking to take back his guilty plea. Kohberger filed a petition for post-conviction relief in the Ada County District Court on Monday, representing himself to challenge the conviction he accepted in July 2025. Kohberger claimed in an interview that his plea was based on "false promises" and "blatant disinformation," asserting that his "actual innocence" is his truth. He dismissed the state's narrative as a "myopic narrative" and a "work of fiction." While the prosecution had a "slam dunk" case, Kohberger argues that justice was miscarried because the trial never occurred. The victims' families expressed surprise and some frustration at the move. The family of Kaylee Goncalves stated that Kohberger chose not to leave his fate to a jury and received the deal he asked for. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador stated his office is ready to do whatever is necessary to ensure justice is fully carried out for the families of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.

Sources