Bryan Kohberger, who previously admitted to killing four University of Idaho students, now wants to take back his guilty plea. In a surprise statement released to The New York Time, the 31-year-old convict announced that he wants to withdraw his deal and face trial.
Claims of disinformation and innocence
Kohberger insists he is innocent and that his prior court decision was based on misleading advice. He stated, “My actual innocence is my truth and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn.”
He added that “justice was not served” and noted that he welcomes a trial, even if prosecutors re-apply the death penalty.
Terms of the original deal
In July 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder to avoid execution.
He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves. As part of that agreement, he gave up his right to appeal the sentences.
Steep legal hurdles ahead
Legal experts say undoing a finalized guilty plea is remarkably rare and difficult. To succeed, Kohberger must prove a “manifest injustice,” meaning he would have to demonstrate that his legal team lied to him or severely mishandled his defense during negotiations.
