Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw plea deal, drawing victim family outrage

Bryan Kohberger, convicted in the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, is now seeking to withdraw his guilty plea, almost exactly one year after entering it. Kohberger, who pleaded guilty in July 2025 to avoid the death penalty and subsequently received four consecutive life sentences, filed a petition for post-conviction relief this week, claiming his plea was based on "false promises and disinformation" and that he was manipulated by his attorneys. He has stated his intention to enter a not guilty plea and welcomes a new trial, even if it means again facing the death penalty.

In his handwritten petition, Kohberger, who is currently representing himself, alleges that his legal counsel provided inadequate representation and that his guilty plea was not entered knowingly or voluntarily. He specifically claims his attorneys failed to disclose or review potentially exculpatory evidence, such as an "unknown hair in Chapin's hand," and made false promises about prison conditions. These new claims contradict his statements during the July 2025 plea hearing, where he affirmed to Judge Steven Hippler that he was pleading guilty because he was, in fact, guilty, and was not coerced.

The victims' families have strongly condemned Kohberger's attempt to reverse his plea, describing him as a "narcissist" and expressing outrage at the renewed legal proceedings. They emphasized that he previously admitted his guilt and willingly entered the plea deal that spared him from capital punishment. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has also affirmed his office's commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.