MOSCOW, Idaho — The family of Idaho murder victim Kaylee Goncalves said they will be part of the criminal justice process “for the long haul” after seeing suspect Bryan Kohberger in person for the first time Thursday.
Goncalves, 21, was one of four University of Idaho students brutally stabbed to death at his home on King Road in Moscow, while two of the victims’ roommates survived. The other victims include Goncalves’s best friend, 21-year-old Madison Mogen; Xana Kernodle, 20; and her boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.
“It’s obviously an emotional time for the family, seeing the defendant for the first time,” the family’s attorney, Shanon Gray, said outside the Latah County courthouse after Kohberger’s initial appearance during which he was ordered held without notice. bail. “This is the beginning of the criminal justice system, and the family will be here for a long time. And that is the statement for the media today.”
Gray also said the family would not take any questions.
SCHEDULE OF STABBLINGS OF UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO STUDENTS
The Goncalves family leaves the Latah County courthouse on January 5, 2023. Thursday was the first time they saw Bryan Kohberger, the alleged killer of Kaylee Goncalves, in person.
(Fox Digital News)
Goncalves’ mother, Kristi Goncalves, told Fox News that her family has to “stay strong for Kaylee and Maddie,” who were found dead in the same bed on November 13.
IDAHO MURDERS: BYRAN KOHBERGER HELD WITHOUT BAIL FOR MURDERS OF STUDENTS AMONG CRAZY NEW DETAILS
He talked about how beautiful their friendship was, going back to the fifth grade. She said the family will try to attend each future hearing, but it is “difficult” because getting to the courthouse in Moscow requires a drive of about two hours.
Kaylee Goncalves, one of four University of Idaho students found murdered Nov. 13 in a home near campus.
(Facebook)
While the suspect’s motive is unknown, an affidavit linking Kohberger, his vehicle and his phone to the scene and time of the crime was released Thursday morning.
Kohberger also allegedly left a brown leather knife sheath on a bed to Mogen’s right side, according to the affidavit. The sleeve had “Ka-Bar” and a globe with a United States Marine Corps eagle and anchor insignia emblazoned on the outside, investigators said.
READ THE SWORN STATEMENT HERE
ROOMMATE OF IDAHO MURDER VICTIMS HEARD CRYING, SAW MAN IN MASK NIGHT OF MURDERS: COURT DOCUMENTS
Kohberger, 28, had a Ph.D. a criminology student at nearby Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where she lived in an apartment building.
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The killings left the cities of Moscow and Pullman on edge, though sentiment among locals has shifted from worry and fear to some relief after Kohberger’s arrest.
