Bryan Kohberger takes the plea deal

[Ali Gator]

Life in prison, no parole - avoids the death penalty.

Victim's family "furious:" Bryan Kohberger accepts plea deal in University of Idaho murders to avoid the death penalty - LocalNews8.com - KIFI

LOCALNEWS8.COM

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University of Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger has reportedly accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana...

 

[+ MysticMenace]

I suppose congratulations are in order for Ann Taylor and the defense team for helping Kohberger avoid the death penalty. However, I feel sympathy for the victims' families, who likely wished for the truth to come out if the trial had proceeded. While this outcome may not provide all the answers they seek, I hope the prosecution can thoroughly establish the factual basis for the plea agreement, especially since Idaho does not require Kohberger to provide such a basis for his plea.

[+ sniper]

I know a relative of one if the victims. He's just glad he doesn't need to read about it, but said her immediate family is furious.

I don't know what they'd gain from a trial. He's the only one who knows everything and has zero reason to talk, and even if he did there's no way to be sure he's telling the truth.

[+ Gar1eth]

From an article I read two of the families preferred the deal, so they could try to move on. The other two families wanted a trial. 

[BuffaloKyle]

I never totally understand about families demanding a trial and being upset that they took a plea. You can't force any defendant who wants to plead guilty and avoid a trial to not do that. Plus if you do get your trial if there is a tainted juror or a technical mistake on either side you're opening yourself up to appeals and retrials.

Edited July 4 by BuffaloKyle

[+ Alabastrine]

I guess it comes down to what you think Kohberger's chances were to get the death penalty vs. a long sentence, and whether or not knowing the "why" matters as much as an execution for purposes of closure. There was no guarantee of receiving either if it went to trial, although I think it's safe to say he wasn't going to be a free man ever again. 

It's a given that Kohberger is certifiably nuts, and he performed the murder because he could. People like him are going to kill, it's more of a "when" than "if"; so he chose the victims either out of pure opportunity or he felt slighted/angered/offended by them in some way. Possibly both. Just my .02c...

Edited July 16 by Alabastrine