Bryan Kohberger’s lawyers challenge $27K restitution request

BOISE, Idaho — Attorneys representing Bryan Kohberger, the man serving four life sentences in an Idaho prison for killing four University of Idaho students, filed a motion against the state’s request for more restitution payments.

In September, the state filed a motion asking the district court to grant Kohberger additional restitution funds, seeking an extra $20,408.32 for Kristi and Steve Goncalves and $6,920.32 for Karen Laramie. According to court documents, the state filed itemized receipts for travel and lodging as its reason.

The additional funding request is separate from Kohberger’s July plea agreement.

Kohberger, in his plea, agreed to cover funeral costs and reimburse the Crime Victim Compensation Fund, totaling just under $29,000. Kohberger also pleaded guilty to one count of felony burglary and received an additional decade in prison, along with $270,000 in fines. With the agreed-upon restitution, the total exceeds $300,000.

In court documents filed Oct. 17, Kohberger’s defense argues that the state’s request for additional restitution funds, totaling over $27,000, was already covered by multiple GoFundMe fundraisers that raised over $200,000.

“Given the specific funds sought and obtained for expenses to travel to Boise, the request should be denied because neither family suffered an economic loss for which the State seeks reimbursement,” Kohberger’s defense wrote in court documents.

The defense also argued Kohberger will spend the rest of his life in prison, and “will never have the ability to pay restitution and even though he stipulated to restitution amounts, there is no foreseeable ability for him to ever make payment.”

Kohberger’s defense acknowledged that Idaho law prevents him from profiting from a book, a movie, or any other form of media, according to court documents.

A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5 to allow for both sides to discuss the additional restitution.