Legal and Ethical Arguments Cited as Kohberger’s Defense Seeks Life Sentence Over Capital Punishment
Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, accused in the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students in November 2022, filed a motion Thursday asking the court to eliminate the death penalty as a sentencing option. Kohberger, a former graduate student at Washington State University, faces charges related to the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. His defense contends that applying the death penalty in this case would violate both national and international standards of decency, citing federal laws and an international treaty against prolonged incarceration on death row.
Defense Argues Death Penalty Violates Legal Standards
Kohberger’s legal team argued that sentencing their client to death would be cruel and unusual, pointing to cases in which condemned inmates endure decades of incarceration and appeals. Defense attorneys cited an international treaty, asserting that extended death row confinement constitutes a form of torture and violates human rights norms.
However, Judge Stephen Hippler expressed skepticism regarding the defense’s interpretation, noting that the referenced treaty primarily concerns due process protections for the accused rather than specific conditions on death row.
Prosecutors Reaffirm Idaho’s Stance on Capital Punishment
Prosecutors countered the defense’s arguments, pointing out that the Idaho Supreme Court has reviewed and upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty in previous cases, making it unlikely for a lower court to ban its application. “These are not new arguments,” said the state’s legal team, reinforcing that Idaho’s legal precedent supports the death penalty in cases involving multiple victims and aggravated circumstances.
Family of Victims Supports Death Penalty
The families of the victims were present during the motion hearing, standing firm in their support for capital punishment. Steve and Kristi Goncalves, parents of victim Kaylee Goncalves, voiced their belief that Kohberger deserves the ultimate punishment if convicted.
“You’ve got four victims, all in one house — that’s more than enough,” said Steve Goncalves. His wife Kristi added, “If he did anything like he did to our daughter to the others, then he deserves to die.”
Defense Prepares for Possible Appeals Process
Legal experts say Kohberger’s defense team is likely setting the stage for an appeal should he be convicted and sentenced to death. By raising these arguments now, they establish a record for potential appeals based on alleged procedural or constitutional violations.
Trial Date and Family Preparations
Kohberger’s trial is set to begin in August 2025 and is expected to run for approximately three months. The Goncalves family shared that they have rented a residence in Boise to stay close to court proceedings and to see the trial through to its conclusion.
