Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in Idaho university murders
Bryan Kohberger, convicted of the November 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students—Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves—pleaded guilty in July 2025. The plea removed the death penalty, gave him four consecutive life sentences without parole and a ten‑year burglary term, and required him to waive any appeal.
In July 2026 Kohberger filed a handwritten petition for post‑conviction relief in Ada County District Court, representing himself. He alleges the plea was the result of “false promises” and “blatant disinformation,” claims ineffective assistance of counsel, coercion and withholding of exculpatory evidence, and says he is actually innocent. The petition asks the court to withdraw his guilty plea and grant a new trial, even if it could lead to a death‑penalty sentence.
Prosecutors’ case included DNA from a knife sheath that statistically matched Kohberger and cellphone‑location data placing his phone near the victims’ house multiple times before the murders. Families of the victims have reiterated confidence in the evidence and expressed disappointment at the petition, while Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said his office stands ready to ensure justice is fully carried out.
Entities: Ada County District Court · Bryan Kohberger · Ethan Chapin · Four murdered students · Idaho · Idaho (state) · Kaylee Goncalves · Madison Mogen · Raúl Labrador · University of Idaho · University of Idaho
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 18 SOURCES] Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025 to the murders of four University of Idaho students. (statement)
- [● 17 SOURCES] He claims the plea was based on false promises and blatant disinformation. (statement)
- [● 16 SOURCES] He received four consecutive life sentences without parole and an additional ten‑year burglary term. (statement)
- [● 16 SOURCES] DNA from a knife sheath at the crime scene matched Kohberger, and his phone was recorded near the victims’ house multiple times. (statement)
- [● 17 SOURCES] Kohberger has filed a petition for post‑conviction relief to withdraw his guilty plea and seek a new trial. (statement)
- [● 15 SOURCES] Kohberger is representing himself in the petition. (statement)
- [● 16 SOURCES] The murders occurred on November 13 2022, killing students Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. (statement)
- [● 18 SOURCES] The plea agreement removed the death penalty and required Kohberger to waive his right to appeal. (statement)
- [DISPUTED] Kohberger filed a petition for post‑conviction relief on July 27 2026 seeking to withdraw his guilty plea. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Kohberger claims the plea was based on false promises and blatant disinformation. (new)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kohberger is representing himself in the post‑conviction petition. (new)