BOISE, Idaho – An Ada County judge is now considering whether convicted quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger should have to pay for recently purchased urns that carry the ashes of two of his victims.
Kohberger is serving four consecutive life sentences without parole for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin.
Kohberger has already ordered to pay restitution to the families of his victims. That number was agreed upon as part of his plea agreement.
In recent weeks, though, Mogen’s mother and Goncalves’ parents have filed for more restitution, saying they want Kohberger to reimburse them for travel to the hearings in Boise. They also want Kohberger to pay for two urns, which now carry Mogen and Goncalves’ ashes.
The defense contends Kohberger shouldn’t be ordered to pay for three reasons: travel and accommodations don’t qualify for restitution under Idaho law, both families had GoFundMe accounts set up for travel and Kohberger will never be able to pay what he already owes, let alone several thousand dollars of additional restitution.
Ada County Judge Steven Hippler heard arguments on the matter Wednesday morning.
At the start of the hearing, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said he made a mistake before the plea agreement, telling the family he thought the state’s crime victims compensation fund allowed families to be reimbursed.
He realized later that the fund did not allow for that.
Because the plea agreement is legally binding, though, Thompson withdrew the request for Kohberger to pay for the travel and accommodations.
Now, the only issue to be decided by Judge Hippler is whether Kohberger should have to pay for the urns, which totals $3075.58.
“What’s the point of the plea agreement if you’re not going to be bound by it,” Judge Hippler asked the defense attorneys.
The defense team argued that the plea agreement required funeral expenses to be submitted within 60 days of the plea deal and that time has since expired.
They also argue Kohberger will never be able to pay the fines and restitution anyway because he’ll never get out of prison.
“We recognize he’s going to be incarcerated until he dies,” Thompson said. “But it doesn’t mean he won’t, over his lifetime, be able to receive money.
Thompson said Kohberger has received “significant money” during his incarceration, saying the number is in the five figures.
“That was a time when he had not entered a plea deal,” said defense attorney Elisa Massoth. “A lot of that money was coming from his family to be able to have communication with their son or brother.”
Judge Hippler said just because Kohberger doesn’t have the money now doesn’t mean he never will.
Massoth, though, argued Idaho state law prohibits Kohberger from profiting for any book, movie or interview in the future.
Judge Hippler said nothing prevents someone else connected to Kohberger for being paid for that type of thing, then giving that money to Kohberger.
Attorneys argued their motions for about 20 minutes. Judge Hippler said he would consider their arguments and issue his ruling at a later time.
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