Judge Orders Bryan Kohberger to Pay for Idaho Students’ Urns
In a recent court ruling, Bryan Kohberger, who was convicted for the 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students, has been ordered to pay for the urns of two victims. This decision was made by an Ada County judge on the anniversary of the tragic slayings that occurred on November 13, 2022.
Kohberger’s Conviction Details
Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for the murders of:
- Madison Mogen, 21
- Kaylee Goncalves, 21
- Xana Kernodle, 20
- Ethan Chapin, 20
He also received an additional 10 years for a burglary charge after accepting a plea deal over the summer.
Restitution Order
As part of the restitution, Kohberger has been ordered to pay:
- $3,075.58 for the urns of Mogen and Goncalves
- $251,227.50 in criminal fines and fees
- $20,000 civil judgment to each victim’s family
- $31,964.67 in restitution to the families of Kernodle and Chapin
These costs were confirmed to be funeral expenses, which Kohberger had previously agreed to cover in his plea agreement. District Judge Steven Hippler emphasized that these financial obligations do not represent a significant burden, given Kohberger’s potential for earning money even while incarcerated.
Reactions and Tributes
On the same day as the ruling, tributes to the students poured in from various sources. The University of Idaho honored the victims with a memorial slideshow on Instagram, captioned “Forever in our hearts.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little also reflected on the impact of the killings, stating that they “shook our state to its core.” He expressed ongoing support for the families affected by this tragedy.
Kohberger’s Future Financial Obligations
Despite being sentenced to life in prison, the judge indicated that Kohberger could still potentially receive donations to help cover the costs associated with the urns. Furthermore, the court acknowledged his ability to secure a job while incarcerated, increasing his financial capability to manage these obligations.
