Kohberger Seeks to Withdraw Guilty Plea in Idaho College Murders Case; Victim’s Family Prepared for Trial

Bryan Kohberger, 31, has filed a handwritten petition seeking to overturn his guilty plea in connection with the deaths of four University of Idaho students, according to court documents submitted Monday. The move comes months before his appeal deadline in September and represents a significant development in a case that drew national attention following his arrest in late 2022.

Kohberger pleaded guilty last year and received four consecutive life sentences for the murders. In his petition for post-conviction relief, he contends that his defense attorneys—Anne Taylor, Elisa Massoth, and Bicka Barlow—failed to inform him of exculpatory evidence and that he was “convinced to falsely confess” to the crimes.

Kristi Goncalves, mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves, told Fox News on Monday that her family anticipated this legal maneuver and welcomes the prospect of a trial. She expressed confidence in the prosecution’s evidence and stated the family would support conviction and a death sentence if the case proceeds before a jury.

The petition references claims made in the recent book “Broken Plea,” which allegedly contains previously undisclosed evidence. Kohberger also reportedly called a New York Times reporter to assert an “absolute claim of innocence,” further signaling his intention to challenge his conviction.

Former prosecutor Nancy Grace responded to the filing on “Hannity,” stating Kohberger should receive exactly what he requested—a trial—and that justice demands the death penalty rather than life imprisonment.