Bryan Kohberger Ordered to Pay Victims' Urn Costs
Bryan Kohberger mugshot. Photo courtesy of Idaho Dept. of Corrections.
On the somber third anniversary of the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students — including Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen — a new chapter unfolded in the legal aftermath. Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of the savage killings, was reportedly ordered by an Idaho judge to pay $3,007.79 toward the cost of urns for two of his victims. This ruling came after a contentious legal battle over whether the families' GoFundMe donations and Kohberger's claims of poverty could be used to cover these expenses.
The Tragic Backdrop: A Massacre Remembered
On November 13, 2022, the University of Idaho community was rocked by the horrific murders of four students — Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin — in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger, a former Washington State University graduate student, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to the murders, avoiding a death penalty trial. He is currently serving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The Legal Dispute: Restitution and the Poverty Defense
In the months leading up to the recent ruling, Kohberger's legal team argued that he should not be required to pay the additional restitution of about $27,000, which included costs related to the urns and other funeral expenses for the victims. They reportedly contended that the families had already received substantial financial support through GoFundMe campaigns, which covered travel and accommodation expenses during the trial, and that Kohberger's incarceration left him unable to earn money to pay these costs.
However, the judge rejected this poverty defense. He noted that Kohberger had received nearly $30,000 in donations from supporters and family members, funds that could be used to cover the restitution. The court also pointed out that Kohberger could seek employment within the prison system to help pay the restitution over time. The judge's decision emphasized the importance of financial accountability, even for someone behind bars, especially given the gravity of the crimes and the impact on the victims' families.
Families' Response: Seeking Justice Beyond the Plea Deal
The families of the victims, particularly the Goncalves family, have expressed deep frustration and pain over the plea deal that spared Kohberger a trial and the possibility of the death penalty. Kaylee Goncalves' father publicly shared his intention to return more than $85,000 raised on GoFundMe to support trial-related expenses, citing a sense of betrayal by the prosecutor's office and the plea agreement, as reported by PEOPLE. The family's statement underscored their belief that Kohberger showed no mercy to their daughter and that the plea deal's removal of the death penalty was a mercy extended to him, not to the victims.
"BK literally is too afraid to die, but he wasn't afraid to kill. BK wanted a plea deal and he was given one. Kaylee wasn't offered a plea deal. The state is showing BK mercy by removing the death penalty. BK did not show Kaylee ANY mercy," Kaylee Goncalves' father wrote on Facebook, as reported by PEOPLE.
This emotional response highlights the ongoing struggle for closure and justice that families face long after the courtroom proceedings conclude. The restitution order for the urns, while a relatively small sum in the context of the case, symbolizes a broader demand for accountability and recognition of the victims' humanity.
The Court's Ruling: A Step Toward Accountability
On November 13, 2025, the Idaho Fourth District Court formally ordered Kohberger to pay $3,007.79 for the urns of Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen. Additionally, he was reportedly ordered to pay nearly $32,000 in restitution to the families of Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. These financial obligations are part of a larger restitution package that includes over $300,000 in fines and penalties tied to the case.
The judge's ruling also acknowledged that while some of the donated funds may no longer be accessible to Kohberger, it is foreseeable that he will continue to receive donations, particularly from family members. This recognition further supports the court's stance that Kohberger has a responsibility to contribute financially to the victims' families, despite his incarceration.
What This Means for You
This case serves as a stark reminder that justice extends beyond sentencing and incarceration. It touches on the emotional and financial toll borne by victims' families and the legal system's role in addressing those impacts. You might find it surprising that even a convicted murderer serving life without parole can be held financially accountable, illustrating the court's commitment to ensuring victims' families receive some measure of restitution.
Moreover, the Goncalves family's decision to return GoFundMe donations reflects the complex emotions families navigate in high-profile cases — balancing gratitude for public support with frustration over legal outcomes. It's a poignant example of how the ripple effects of crime extend far beyond the initial tragedy.
Looking Ahead
As Kohberger serves his life sentences, the legal battles over restitution and accountability continue to unfold. The court's insistence on financial responsibility, even from behind bars, may set a precedent for similar cases where families seek compensation for the costs associated with loss and mourning.
For those following this case, it's a reminder that justice is multifaceted — encompassing punishment, restitution, and the ongoing quest for closure by those left behind.
If you want to stay informed about developments in this case and others like it, keep an eye on trusted news sources and legal updates. Understanding the full scope of justice helps us appreciate the challenges victims' families face and the efforts made to support them.
References: Bryan Kohberger Court-Ordered to Pay for Two of His Victims' Urns | Bryan Kohberger ordered to use $30K slush fund to pay extra restitution to victims' families | New York Post | Bryan Kohberger's Lawyers Argue He Shouldn't Have to Pay Restitution | Why Is Kaylee Goncalves' Family Returning $85,000 Given to Them on GoFundMe?
