January 1, Idaho Murder Plea Deal Divides Victims’ Families

Wyatt’s Take

• Victims’ families split over Bryan Kohberger’s plea deal
• Some see God’s hand in ending the torment quickly
• Families argue over demand for full confession and more answers

The mother of Xana Kernodle, one of the University of Idaho victims, says she has found peace after Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder. While the plea deal means no death penalty and no drawn-out appeals, it also ends hopes for more answers about what happened that night.

“At first I was upset. I felt like I will never get answers now, but now I really see The Lord’s hand in it,” Cara Northington said. “I now can see that God is protecting us from further torment and trauma.”

She explained that a long trial or death sentence could have meant years of painful court battles. Northington found out about the deal while on a church retreat, surrounded by friends who prayed for her. “God had me right where he wanted me to be when I found out the news,” she said.

Kernodle’s father disagreed with the deal, wanting Kohberger to explain himself. Other victims’ families were divided; some supported the decision as a way to move on, while Kaylee Goncalves’ family fought against it, demanding a full confession and details on the crime. “At a bare minimum, please – require a full confession, full accountability, location of the murder weapon, confirmation the defendant acted alone, & the true facts of what happened that night,” her family stated.

The prosecutors had strong evidence including DNA, phone records, and security footage. Two witnesses lived through the attack, but a full trial could still have been risky. With the plea deal, Kohberger can’t appeal or ask for a lighter sentence.

This deal puts an end to the legal roller coaster, but some families will always want more answers.

Full story

Wyatt Matters

Folks in Middle America know true peace can’t be handed down by a court. We stand with families desperate for justice and answers, and we understand why quick closure can sometimes bring its own kind of mercy.