New court filings reveal that Bryan Kohberger, who was convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students, continues to receive financial contributions while serving his life sentence. The donations reportedly come from both family members and anonymous supporters.
Prosecutors have noted that these funds, sent from relatives and other unnamed third parties, could be redirected to help the families of the victims — Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, and Xana Kernodle. Kohberger’s plea agreement includes accepting responsibility for the 2022 killings, one of the most shocking crimes in Idaho’s history.
Plea Deal and Restitution Terms
Under his plea deal, prosecutors were granted the right to seek restitution for the victims’ families to help with funeral expenses and related costs.
When sentenced, Kohberger was ordered to pay:
| Recipient / Fund | Amount Ordered |
|---|---|
| State Fines and Fees | Over $250,000 |
| Each Victim’s Family | $20,000 each |
| Idaho Crime Victim Compensation Fund | Around $29,000 |
Later, the state of Idaho sought additional restitution, requesting more than $20,000 for the Goncalves family and about $6,900 for Mogen’s mother, citing ongoing financial burdens.
Defense Opposition to Added Restitution
Kohberger’s defense team strongly opposed the request for extra payments. They argued that the victims’ families had already received significant donations from GoFundMe campaigns, which covered many of the same expenses.
In their filing, the defense stated:
“The additional funds sought do not qualify as an economic loss under Idaho Code 19-5304 because the families received extensive public support that specifically addressed these costs.”
Defense attorneys also emphasized that Kohberger lacks financial capacity while in prison, as he is serving four consecutive life sentences plus ten years, leaving him unable to pay restitution now or in the future.
Sealed Financial Records
In a recent filing, the state of Idaho disclosed that it had compiled a detailed summary of funds sent to Kohberger during his time in both the Ada County Jail and Latah County Jail. However, both the summary and the list of donors remain sealed from public access.
The confidentiality of these records has raised questions about the identity of donors and the motives behind their support. Legal experts suggest the state may pursue ways to allocate these funds toward the victims’ restitution, should the court permit it.
The revelation that Bryan Kohberger continues to receive financial donations while incarcerated has reignited debate about victim restitution, criminal accountability, and ethical boundaries in high-profile cases.
As Idaho prosecutors and defense attorneys continue to battle over restitution payments, the victims’ families remain at the center of a legal and emotional struggle for justice.
