Bryan Kohberger’s lawyers are opposing Idaho’s bid for more than $27,000 in additional restitution, arguing that the families have already raised more than $200,000 through GoFundMe.
BOISE, Idaho — Lawyers representing Bryan Kohberger, the man serving four life sentences in an Idaho prison for the murders of four University of Idaho students, have filed a motion opposing the state’s request for more restitution.
In September, the state filed a motion asking the district court to award Kohberger additional restitution funds, seeking an additional $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 a reason.
The request for additional funding is separate from Kohberger’s plea agreement from July.
Kohberger, in his plea, agreed to cover funeral expenses and reimburse the Crime Victims Compensation Fund, for a total of just under $29,000. Kohberger also pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and was sentenced to an additional decade in prison, as well as a $270,000 fine. With restitution agreed to, the total exceeds $300,000.
In court documents filed Oct. 17, Kohberger’s defense claims the state’s request for additional restitution funds, totaling more than $27,000, was already covered by several GoFundMe fundraisers that raised more than $200,000.
“Given the specific funds requested and obtained for travel expenses to Boise, the request should be denied because neither family suffered an economic loss for which the State is seeking reimbursement,” Kohberger’s defense wrote in court documents.
The defense also argued that Kohberger will spend the rest of his life in prison and “will never have the ability to pay restitution and even though he has stipulated restitution amounts, he has no foreseeable possibility of ever making the payment.”
Kohberger’s defense acknowledged that Idaho law prevents him from profiting from a book, film or other form of media, according to court documents.
A hearing is scheduled for November 5 to allow both sides to discuss additional restitution.
