BOISE, Idaho – The family of one of the murdered University of Idaho students expressed their support of the plea deal reached in the case against Bryan Kohberger.
Madison Mogen’s mother and stepfather issued that support through their attorney, Leander James.
James, who is based in Coeur d’Alene, is a victims’ rights attorney who has been representing Karen and Scott Laramie since Madison was murdered in 2022.
He stood alongside them on the steps of the Ada County Courthouse on Wednesday, moments after Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle.
“We support the plea agreement 100 percent,” their statement reads. They asked those who do not support the agreement to respect their belief that this was the right outcome.
In exchange for his plea, Kohberger will be spared the death penalty but instead agrees to spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Before speaking about the plea agreement, their statement focused on Madison’s life.
“We are grateful for the gift of her life and we have grieved the loss of that life for 962 days,” they said. “We love you Maddie. And we miss you.”
The family expressed their thanks to Prosecutor Bill Thompson, Judge Steven Hippler, and Latah County Judge John.
They also expressed their gratitude for law enforcement officers and their teams that gathered the evidence that allowed for justice in this case.
The Laramies also thanked the community for their support and expressed their shared grief with other families who have lost a child.
“We know recovery is a long and at times an almost unbearable journey. You are not alone, there is hope and healing.”
The Laramies even took time to extend support to the families and co-workers of two North Idaho firefighters, shot and killed in the line of duty this week.
With the plea done and the trial canceled, the Laramies said they’re now on a new path, out of the uncertainty of the legal process and onto a path of hope and healing.
“We have closure.”
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