A judge has approved the appointment of a new attorney for Bryan Kohberger, who is attempting to overturn his guilty plea in the murder of four University of Idaho students in 2022. Despite his previous guilty plea, he now seeks a new trial. Legal analyst Mehek Cooke points out the significant challenge in reversing a guilty plea, while the victim’s family continues to cope with their loss.
The case has reportedly cost taxpayers over $8 million. An Ada County District Judge, Steven Hippler, approved Kohberger’s request for court-appointed counsel. The Idaho State Public Defender will assign an attorney to handle all post-conviction proceedings. Kohberger recently filed a handwritten petition for relief, aiming to retract his guilty plea, which he previously agreed to in exchange for the death penalty being dropped.
Kohberger claims he was convinced to confess falsely. He alleges his former defense attorneys, Anne Taylor, Elisa Massoth, and Bicka Barlow, did not disclose crucial evidence mentioned in the book “Broken Plea,” which had not been presented in court. He earlier stated he entered his plea willingly and without coercion, a claim contradicted by his new petition.
This filing has distressed the family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the victims. Her mother, Kristi Goncalves, has expressed readiness to return to court if Kohberger’s case is reopened. Judge Hippler’s order under Idaho’s post-conviction relief statute does not require filing fees for these petitions.
Records indicate the investigation and Kohberger’s defense, heavily funded by Latah County and the state, have incurred significant costs. Taxpayers have spent nearly $5.5 million on his defense alone, with additional costs for law enforcement, prosecution, and housing during his trial.
The Idaho Statesman reported that Kohberger’s attorneys have earned more than $980,000 since the shift to a statewide public defender system. The total cost of his post-conviction proceedings is yet to be determined.
Kohberger pleaded guilty to murdering students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, confessing to the stabbings at an off-campus residence in November 2022. He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole.
During investigations, officials found no victim DNA in his vehicle. However, an FBI analyst reported soil consistent with the crime scene’s location was discovered in his car. Prosecutors revealed Kohberger had deactivated his cellphone before entering the home and reactivated it post-incident. Court records also show he searched for local police dispatch information online following the murders.
Sentencing included statements from victims’ families condemning Kohberger for his actions, to which he showed minimal visible response. Greg Wehner, a Fox News Digital reporter, continues to cover this and other significant criminal cases.