A Killer's Debt: Paying for the Ashes

A judge in Idaho has ruled that Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students, must reimburse the families of Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen for their urns.

Key Details

• Cost of Urns: The judge ordered Kohberger to cover the $3,000 cost of the urns holding the ashes of Goncalves and Mogen.
• Existing Restitution: Kohberger is already obligated to pay over $30,000 as part of his plea deal.
• Defense Argument: Kohberger's lawyers claim he lacks the funds, but the judge believes he can find a way to pay.

Judge's Reasoning

Judge Steven Hippler noted that Kohberger has received nearly $29,000 in donations since his arrest. The judge suggested that Kohberger could continue receiving donations, particularly from his family, and even earn money through prison work.

Defense Response

Kohberger's defense team argued that most donations came from his family to help with communication while in jail and that public donations have decreased since his guilty plea.

Case Background

The case gained national attention after the brutal stabbings shocked the small college town of Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to the murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Maddie Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves in November 2022.

Conclusion

The judge's decision underscores that Kohberger's financial responsibilities to the victims' families persist even after his guilty plea.