Bryan Kohberger sentenced: father of murder victim damns killer in three simple words

Bryan Kohberger has been handed four consecutive life sentences for the brutal slaying of four Idaho university students, finally closing a horrific case that sent shockwaves across the nation and left a close-knit college community reeling.

The 30 year old former criminology student remained expressionless as he sat in the dock wearing an orange jumpsuit, enduring more than two hours of heart-wrenching and furious statements from the bereaved families of those he killed. Judge Steven Hippler delivered a scathing verdict as he imposed the sentence on Wednesday, stating: "I'm unable to find anything redeemable about Mr Kohberger. His actions have made him the worst of the worst."

Kohberger savagely knifed Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen to deathduring the early hours of 13 November 2022 at their off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho. Two other housemates were present at the time but escaped unharmed.

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Police hunt for Kohberger

Kohberger was also given a 10-year term for burglary. He admitted guilt as part of an agreement to escape the death penalty and refused the opportunity to address the court, merely telling proceedings: "I respectfully decline.", reports the Express.

The hearing witnessed moving testimony from the relatives of the four victims, who spoke of the devastating loss of young lives brimming with potential.

"Karen and I are ordinary people, but we lived extraordinary lives because we had Maddy," said Madison Mogen's stepfather, Scott Laramie. Kristi, the mother of Kaylee Goncalves, told the court that Kohberger had "altered my every waking moment" and stolen her peace.

Victims' families lash out: 'you're pathetic'

Alivea, Goncalves' sister, directly confronted Kohberger. "Sit up straight," she commanded.

"You're a textbook case of insecurity. You are not profound, you're pathetic."

Victims' families lash out: 'you're pathetic'.

Randy Davis, Xana Kernodle's stepfather, simply added in three words: "Go to hell."

However, there were also expressions of forgiveness. One of Kernodle's aunts told Kohberger she forgave him and encouraged him to speak out: "Any time you want to talk, I'm here for you."

Survivor's testimonies

"He didn't just take their lives," she said, "he took the light they carried into every room."

Kohberger's silence at sentencing left many questions unanswered - including his motive. Investigators stated they found no link between Kohberger and the victims or surviving flatmates, and no evidence he had followed them online.

Judge Hippler acknowledged this uncertainty: "There is no reason for these crimes that could approach anything resembling rationality. By continuing to focus on why, we continue to give Mr Kohberger relevance. It is time to end Mr Kohberger's 15 minutes of fame."