Kohberger seeks to withdraw plea, face trial in Idaho college murders

Bryan Kohberger, who previously pleaded guilty to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, is now seeking to withdraw his plea and proceed to trial. Kohberger has reportedly stated his "actual innocence" in a statement to The New York Times, claiming his guilty plea was a result of "false promises and blatant disinformation."

This development comes approximately one year after Kohberger was sentenced on July 23, 2025, to four consecutive life sentences without parole, in addition to ten years for burglary. That sentencing followed a plea deal where he admitted guilt to avoid facing the death penalty.

Kohberger's purported desire to retract his plea, which he communicated through a post-conviction relief form filed in Idaho courts this week, indicates a dramatic shift. He has expressed a willingness for prosecutors to re-seek the death penalty and hopes a trial will provide the public with greater clarity and justice. However, withdrawing a guilty plea after sentencing presents a significant legal hurdle under Idaho law, requiring the defense to demonstrate a "manifest injustice."