Serial killer Bryan Kohberger has been appointed a new public defender as he attempts to withdraw his guilty plea for murdering four University of Idaho students. Kohberger previously avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in 2022.
Kohberger Alleges Coerced Confession
Kohberger now claims he was 'convinced to falsely confess' by his lawyers, alleging his defense attorneys failed to disclose what he described as 'exculpatory discovery' related to evidence in the book 'Broken Plea'. The book suggests a botched police investigation and possible tampering with the crime scene.
Kohberger said the attorneys failed to disclose or review evidence such as an 'unknown hair in Chapin's hand' that could have helped his case. He also wrote that the lawyers insisted his plea 'need not be truthful, despite petitioner's vehement denial of actual guilt' and promised life in prison with 'immediate contact visits, freedom of movement, employment' while telling 'elaborate lies of DR (death row) life'.
Plea Deal and Prosecution
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty and recommended four consecutive life sentences without parole, plus an additional 10 years.
Defense Team's Strategy
For Kohberger's court-appointed attorneys, the plea deal was a way to save his life. Over two years of hearings, they repeatedly challenged the death penalty, including questioning DNA evidence, citing his autism diagnosis, suggesting another suspect, and arguing capital punishment violates international standards.
