Judge Steven Hippler did not mince his words as he sentenced Bryan Kohberger to four consecutive life terms for murdering four University of Idaho students.
“There is no reason for these crimes that could approach anything resembling rationality,” Hippler said. “No conceivable reason could make any sense, and in the end, the more we struggle to seek explanation for the unexplainable, the more we try to extract a reason, the more power and control we give to him. In my view, the time has now come to end Mr. Kohberger’s 15 minutes of fame.”
Hippler delivered a several-minute-long emotional statement before sentencing Kohberger, 30, calling him a “faceless coward” and sharing his admiration for the victims’ families. He criticized Kohberger for showing no remorse and said he couldn’t legally compel him to explain the killings, but doubted Kohberger would tell the truth even if asked.
The killer showed no reaction. He was fined $50,000 per charge and must pay $5,000 in civil penalties to each victim’s family. As part of the plea deal, Kohberger must submit DNA. He has no chance at parole.
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Kohberger waived his right to appeal, but Hippler said he can still file a notice of appeal, though doing so may breach the terms of his plea agreement.
The murderer also declined to speak following the reading of victim impact statements, to which the victims’ families reportedly mumbled, “surprise, surprise” and “coward.”
This is a breaking news story. More information will be added as it becomes available.