BOISE, Idaho – A judge in Boise will hear arguments Wednesday about whether or not convicted killer Bryan Kohberger will have to pay additional restitution to the families of his victims.
Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.
As part of his sentence, the judge ordered him to pay $20,000 in civil fines to each family. He was also ordered to pay $28,956.88 for funeral expenses.
In September, the state filed a motion for Kohberger to pay additional funds to the Goncalves family and to Madison Mogen’s mother.
The defense said “the receipts relate to travel and accommodation.”
Kohberger’s attorneys argue that restitution was already agreed upon as part of Kohberger’s agreement to plead guilty.
They also say that Idaho law does not require families to be reimbursed for travel.
The attorneys also point out that both families had GoFundMe accounts that raised thousands of dollars, specifically for travel and accommodations for hearings and the trial.
Finally, they argue that with a life sentence, Kohberger will never be able to pay.
“He will never have the ability to pay restitution and even though he stipulated to restitution amounts, there is no foreseeable ability for him to ever make payment,” the defense team writes.
The state argues that the state’s victims compensation fund does not cover travel costs. Prosecutors also argue that because GoFundMe donors aren’t contractually obligated to pay.
The state also pointed to funds donated to Kohberger while he was in the Ada and Latah County jails.
“In the event that Defendant is able to obtain financial compensation from third parties or family, the victims should have ready access to these assets for the satisfaction of their losses,” prosecutors write.
Judge Steven Hippler will hear arguments on the matter on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Pacific time.
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