Idaho Victim's Dad: 'Death Penalty Escaped by Guilty Plea'

Steve Goncalves, father of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students murdered in November 2022, has reacted to Bryan Kohberger's recent assertion of innocence. Goncalves expressed no surprise at Kohberger's claim, likening him to an "unsquashable mosquito."

Goncalves stated that he and his family are prepared for a new trial, should one be granted, and remain confident that Kohberger will ultimately receive the death penalty. He criticized the idea of a new trial as a "disgrace" and a "waste of taxpayers money."

He further suggested that more energy should be dedicated to honoring the victims rather than attempting to free a guilty individual. The victims, including his daughter Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, were found stabbed at least 150 times.

Mogen and Kernodle died together in one bedroom, while Chapin and Goncalves were in another. Kaylee Goncalves suffered numerous stab wounds to her scalp, face, neck, chest, and extremities, along with blunt force injuries to her head. Alivea Goncalves, Kaylee's sister, previously addressed Kohberger during his sentencing hearing in July 2025, stating he would have been overpowered if the victims had been awake.

Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without parole in July 2025, after agreeing to a plea deal that avoided the death penalty. Three weeks prior to his sentencing, he pleaded guilty. Now, he is petitioning for post-conviction relief, claiming he was "convinced to falsely confess."