Idaho Murder Victim’s Father Apologizes to Daughter Over Plea Deal That Avoids Death Penalty
Boise,ID – July 3,2025 – Steve Goncalves,the father of Kaylee Goncalves,issued a heartbreaking apology to his daughter Wednesday,expressing regret over a plea deal that will spare her confessed killer,Bryan kohberger,the death penalty [[1]]. Goncalves voiced his opposition to the agreement, stating his family felt “used” by prosecutors during the evidence-gathering process.
Kohberger admitted to the brutal stabbing deaths of Goncalves and three of her University of Idaho friends – Xana Kernodle,Madison Mogen,and Ethan Chapin – in November 2022. While the plea avoids a trial initially scheduled for August, it also means Kohberger will receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole, rather than facing a potential death sentence [[1]].
“It’s my mistake. I’m sorry Kaylee,” Goncalves stated during an appearance on NewsNation’s “Banfield” program [[1]]. “I’m truly sorry that I didn’t get you a prosecutor who really believed what happened to you could only be fixed with life.”
Goncalves indicated he doesn’t plan to deliver a victim-impact statement at the sentencing hearing scheduled for July 23, deeming it a “pointless exercise” [[1]].
This development marks a meaningful turn in the high-profile case that captivated the nation. Some legal experts, however, argue the plea deal was the best possible outcome, ensuring a conviction and life imprisonment for kohberger [[1]].
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