(NewsNation) — Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal during a hastened hearing Wednesday, just weeks before he was set to go to trial.
Judge Steven Hippler opened the hearing by explaining his role and his power to accept or reject a plea deal. He also expressed frustration after members of the public called the court in a campaign he characterized as an effort to sway his judgment.
Hippler will decide whether to accept the plea agreement, which removes the death penalty in exchange for Kohberger changing his plea to guilty.
Without a trial, it’s possible the families of the victims will never get an answer to the question of why Kohberger committed the crime.
The families of victims Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin are divided on the plea. The Goncalves family has criticized the deal, calling it hurried and secretive.
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Author: Steph Whiteside
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