More than two years have passed since that one night which devastated the village of Moscow, Idaho.
Four brilliant students — Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle — were murdered in their off-campus home in November 2022. This was followed by one of the most discussed murder investigations in recent American history.
Now, in July 2025, the trial of the person of interest, Bryan Kohberger, is in limbo. Families are furious. Communities are weary. And justice, to many, is a longing far away.
🔹 Kaylee’s Family Speaks Out: “We Deserve a Trial”
Since the beginning, Kaylee Goncalves’ family has been one of the most outspoken families. This week, her mother, Kristi Goncalves, reiterated her frustrations with the never-ending legal process.
The family has continuously stated that they want the case to go through judicial process, from what his family says, the more this goes on, the more pain it continues to cause.
Originally, the trial is set for 2024 and continues to be delayed. Legal bickering going on, including whether this evidence is admissible and whether to even have the trial in Idaho, has delayed the family from having their time in court.
There are a number of reasons for the delay:
- Defense attorneys filed to move the trial out of Latah County
- Concerns about Kohberger’s ability to get a fair trial due to media coverage
- Ongoing arguments regarding the DNA and forensics evidence
The Goncalves family is convinced that the delays are intentional and meant to wear them down emotionally.
“They want us to quit. But we won’t,” Kristi explained in another televised interview.
🔹 What Bryan Kohberger’s Defense Team Is Arguing
Bryan Kohberger, a former PhD student in criminology, was taken into custody in December of 2022 and charged with four counts of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon. He has forthcoming a plea of not guilty. His defense continues to call into question the integrity of the prosecution’s DNA evidence and has requested that the trial move to another county due to “prejudicial” media coverage in Latah County.
In one of its most recent filings, Kohberger’s attorneys claimed that potential jurors in Moscow had already formed a bias, jeopardizing Kohberger’s “constitutional right to a fair trial.” The defense also raised questions about how the FBI obtained key evidence from the crime scene, and how he DNA evidence was stored, hinting at possible violations of constitutional rights.
🔹 Community in Moscow Still Grieving, Still Waiting
In Moscow, Idaho, time hasn’t made the pain go away. The small college town still bears the emotional weight of the murders.
Local businesses continue to display photos of the victims. Murals in honor of the students remain untouched.
Locals are deeply divided about the idea of moving the trial. Some want it to stay close to home, believing the community has a right to witness justice firsthand. Others fear media pressure and small-town gossip could affect the outcome.
🔹 Public Sentiment on Social Media
Social media remains a hub of constant discussion around the case. The hashtag #JusticeForKaylee trended again this week after Kaylee’s family gave another emotional statement.
Instagram and Twitter posts are filled with tributes and outrage:
“It’s sad that Ethan was not remembered there by friends. I understand his family didn’t wish to attend….”
🔹 What the Prosecutors Are Preparing
Prosecutors say they are ready to move forward — and have been for months.
In a public court hearing earlier this month, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson stated:
“The state has prepared its case. We are waiting for resolution on the motions filed by the defense. We believe the people of Idaho are entitled to a timely trial.”
Sources close to the case say over 100 witnesses may be called during the trial, and extensive forensic data — including cellphone tower pings, surveillance footage, and digital activity — will be presented.
But until the location and timeline are settled, the trial remains stuck in a holding pattern.
🔹 New Trial Date Still Unconfirmed
There is no official trial date as of mid-July 2025.
Judge John Judge is expected to rule on the venue change and other pending motions later this summer.
If the trial is moved to another county, experts say jury selection and scheduling could push the trial into 2026.
For the families, that’s unthinkable.
“We’ve been patient. We’ve followed every rule. But this feels like a delay of justice,” said Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves.
🔹 What Could Happen Next in the Case?
Here are the key things to watch for in the coming months:
- Judge’s ruling on the defense’s request to change venue
- Final trial date announcement (if venue stays in Latah County)
- Witness list confirmation and motions about admissibility of evidence
- Potential appeals or further delays from Kohberger’s team
If the trial does end up moving counties, possible county trial options include Ada County (Boise) or Kootenai Co where there are larger juror pools.
A Case That Shook the Nation — And Still Does
The Idaho murders case remains one of the most closely followed true crime cases in recent memory.
It shocked people not just for its brutality, but because it happened in a sleepy college town — in a place people thought was safe.
As delays continue, families and the public are left with more questions than answers.
But one thing is for sure, the fight for justice especially from Kaylee Goncalves family is very much alive.
FAQs
Who is Bryan Kohberger?
A Ph.D. criminology graduate student who was arrested in December 2022 for stabbing four students who attended the University of Idaho.
What did Kohberger do?
He broke into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and murdered four sleeping roommates by stabbing them on November 13, 2022.
Who are the Idaho victims?
Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, who attended the University of Idaho. They were 20 to 21 years old.
Did Kaylee Goncalves’ sister speak in court?
Yes. Alivea spoke and slammed Kohberger, referring to him as “pathetic,” and she addressed him in person.
What motive did Kohberger gave?
None. Kohberger took a plea deal to avoid the death penalty but gave no motive.
Is there a live stream of the sentencing?
No. There will be no live coverage of court, however many news reporters including ABC, CBS, and People provided live coverage and other media sources had continuing updates.
What is his sentence?
Four life sentences and a 10-year burglary sentence without any add-on plea deals.
What happens after the sentencing?
After the sentencing, a judge will begin to review sealed documents, and at some point will make rulings on them. The families of the victims are wanting to get these unsealed as soon as possible. This case may have an impact on future policies regarding campus-safety and legal transparency.
