A Potential Path to Retrial
Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves—one of the four University of Idaho students murdered in November 2022—has expressed that he would welcome a new trial for Bryan Kohberger. This sentiment follows reports that Kohberger, who is currently serving four consecutive life sentences, is seeking to withdraw his previous guilty plea.
Speaking on NewsNation’s Jesse Weber Live, Goncalves stated, «I’d love to have the second shot at the accused murderer. I would love for us to be able to reline him up and hold him accountable to the full extent of what he’s done. … I would love it.»
Kohberger’s Shift in Stance
In July 2025, Kohberger entered a guilty plea as part of a deal to avoid the death penalty, resulting in his current incarceration at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. However, in a recent interview with The New York Times, the 31-year-old suggested he intends to reopen the case.
While Kohberger did not specify the details of the evidence he wishes to contest, he indicated a desire for his grievances regarding the initial plea negotiations to be addressed in court. «Why am I breaking my silence? A lot went wrong in those plea discussions. I really do want that to be heard,» he remarked.
The Family’s Perspective
Despite his willingness to see Kohberger back in court, Steve Goncalves noted the toll the situation has taken on their community. He lamented the strain of having to deal with an individual who had no ties to their state or society. The Goncalves family described the current development as an exhausting process, referring to Kohberger as «the mosquito you just can’t seem to swat.»
In a formal statement, the family emphasized that Kohberger had previously acknowledged his guilt under oath. They noted that he had two years to review discovery materials and never raised concerns about pressure or lack of information at the time of his plea. The family’s statement further highlighted their belief in the strength of the original evidence:
«We would have preferred a death-penalty trial; we believe fully in the evidence. Instead, BK received exactly what he asked for: a deal that spared his life. Know this — he hates that life. He wants another chance to roll the dice.»