Bryan Kohberger, the alleged killer of four University of Idaho students, could face the death penalty. The Latah County Prosecutor's Office filed court documents Monday detailing that the crime, which took place on Nov. 13, 2022, had "aggravating circumstances" and that the murders were "especially heinous." This, they claimed, demonstrated the "utter disregard for human life" exhibited by the 28-year-old suspect.
That is why they recommend the maximum penalty a prisoner can face: "Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty."
The alleged perpetrator of the murders was convicted in May. At that time, he was asked how he pleaded and assured that he was innocent. However, the judge did not accept his arguments as valid and prosecuted him on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of robbery.
Following this, the families of the victims requested the death penalty. After learning of the Latah County district attorney's decision, Steve Goncalves, father of one of the murdered students said it was a "major relief":
This isn’t something that we’re going to have a party about. It’s not something that we really would ever want to look forward to or be a part of. But as a father, if you come after my child, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that we come after you.
