Brian Coberger Pleads Guilty in Idaho Murders Case

Greg Jarrett, a legal analyst for Fox News, commented on Monday during a segment that Bryan Coberger, 30, has pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students.

Reports indicate that Coberger accepted a plea deal related to the 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kernodle’s boyfriend, Ethan Chapin. The Goncalves family is reportedly disappointed that Coberger will evade the death penalty. Host Sean Hannity asked Jarrett for his thoughts on this development.

“I understand their frustration, but the government ultimately has the final say,” Jarrett said. “Coberger was aware of the severe consequences he faced and chose to plead guilty to avoid a swift trial leading to a possible death sentence. After two and a half years of legal battles, he finally admitted guilt to save his own life.”

Jarrett acknowledged the efforts of the prosecutors and investigators, noting that they built a compelling case that Coberger couldn’t refute. “The defense didn’t stand a chance. They put Coberger in a position where he had no choice but to accept the terms, especially since life sentences offer no chance for parole.”

In November 2022, the four students were were killed inside a home in Moscow, Idaho. Two other students, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortenson, survived the incident. During questioning, they reported seeing a man wearing dark clothing and a mask near the scene.

Authorities eventually arrested Coberger after a month-long manhunt, locating him at his parents’ Pennsylvania home. Court documents revealed that investigators used mobile data to link him to the crime scene multiple times and found DNA evidence, including a knife sheath, which confirmed his involvement.

Jarrett mentioned, “I can see why families of the victims are upset. They wanted justice, possibly death. However, it’s the government’s decision, and a confession like this can spare everyone from a lengthy trial that could drag on for years.”

Interestingly, Jarrett compared this case to the infamous Leopold and Loeb case, suggesting that like those men, Coberger’s mistakes led to his downfall. Coberger didn’t outsmart anyone, he made rookie errors.

Following this plea deal, a Facebook group run by the Goncalves family expressed their outrage, stating they felt failed by the justice system. They expressed their anger and disappointment, adding that the outcome was unexpected.

Before his arrest, Coberger was pursuing a PhD in criminology at a nearby university and had previously messaged one of the victims through social media.

Coberger’s trial is set to begin on August 11, with jury selection scheduled for August 4.