Bryan Kohberger, Idaho murder suspect, pleads guilty

BOISE, Idaho (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - The suspect in the 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students is now pleading guilty.

Bryan Kohberger changed his plea in a hearing Wednesday in Boise.

At the hearing, Kohberger admitted to the first-degree murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, as well as a felony burglary charge.

With the guilty plea, the 30-year-old will avoid the death penalty in exchange for a life sentence, and waiving his right to appeal.

Opening statements were set to begin in August after months of delays over what evidence should be admissible in his trial.

While family members of at least one of the victims are supportive of such an agreement, Steve Goncalves, Kaylee Goncalves' father, says he feels "failed" by state prosecutors.

When asked if he thinks four life sentences is justice, Goncalves says, "No, of course not. It's daycare. Prison is daycare."

After accepting Kohberger's new plea, the judge in the case said he will allow the families of the victims to speak at a sentencing hearing on July 23.