MOSCOW, ID – Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a public statement following the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger, who received four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.

In his letter, Labrador acknowledged the emotional toll the case has taken on the Moscow community and the families of the victims, describing it as one of the most painful events in the state’s recent history.

While the Latah County Prosecutor retained authority over the prosecution, Labrador said his office played a supporting role through its Criminal Division. He outlined the contributions made by Criminal Division Chief Jeff Nye and Deputy Attorneys General Ingrid Batey and Madison Gourley, who he said worked to uphold the indictment and respond to multiple legal challenges. Among these were efforts to block the use of investigative genetic genealogy and to dismiss the case entirely—efforts which were ultimately unsuccessful.

The use of investigative genetic genealogy was a focal point, as it marked the first time this method was utilized in a criminal investigation in Idaho. Labrador characterized its legal defense as a precedent that could aid future investigations.

Kohberger is now serving his sentence at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna.

Labrador concluded by expressing continued support for the victims’ families and emphasized his office’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and prosecutors across the state.