The family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger in November 2022, delivered powerful and emotional victim impact statements during his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole, plus 10 years for burglary, as part of a plea deal that spared him the death penalty.
Key Statements from the Goncalves Family:
- Steve Goncalves (Father): Steve confronted Kohberger directly, turning the podium to face him during his statement. He called Kohberger “foolish and stupid” for leaving his DNA at the crime scene, saying, “Master’s degree? You’re a joke, a complete joke.” He emphasized that Kohberger’s actions united the community rather than dividing it, stating, “You tried to plant fear. You tried to divide us … Instead, your actions have united everyone in their disgust for you.” Steve also expressed frustration with the plea deal, calling it a “shortcut” that failed to deliver justice for Kaylee, who was stabbed 34 times and suffered significant facial injuries. He told reporters outside the courthouse that the family wanted a trial to uncover more details, such as whether Kohberger acted alone, to protect survivors.
- Alivea Goncalves (Sister): Alivea delivered a scathing statement, addressing Kohberger as “pathetic” and “painfully average.” She instructed him to “sit up straight” and asserted, “Kaylee would have kicked your f—ing ass” if he hadn’t attacked her in her sleep. She described Kaylee and her best friend Madison Mogen as “loved, accepted, vibrant, accomplished, brave, and powerful,” qualities she said Kohberger could never embody. Alivea also demanded answers, asking, “Where is the murder weapon? What were Kaylee’s last words?” Her remarks ended with an ovation from the courtroom.
- Kristi Goncalves (Mother): Kristi, in a prior statement on July 3, 2025, shared harrowing details of Kaylee’s murder, noting that Kohberger beat her in the face and head before stabbing her multiple times. She expressed outrage at the plea deal, writing on Facebook, “BK literally is too afraid to die, but he wasn’t afraid to kill. The state is showing BK mercy by removing the death penalty. BK did not show Kaylee ANY mercy.” During the sentencing, another sister read a statement on Kristi’s behalf, which included a pointed remark about the treatment Kohberger might face in prison.
- Aubrie Goncalves (Younger Sister): Aubrie, aged 18, spoke of the plea deal’s suddenness as “shocking and cruel,” noting it came weeks before the scheduled trial, leaving the family little time to process. She argued that life in prison allows Kohberger to “speak, form relationships, and engage with the world,” while Kaylee and the other victims were “silenced forever.” She reiterated the family’s support for the death penalty, feeling the system prioritized Kohberger’s future over honoring the victims’ pasts.
Additional Context:
The Goncalves family expressed ongoing frustration with the lack of transparency, particularly after a gag order was lifted on July 19, 2025. They sought details about Kaylee’s murder, including the motive, the location of the murder weapon, and whether Kohberger acted alone, but Kohberger declined to speak at the sentencing, leaving these questions unanswered. The family also criticized the prosecution for not involving them adequately in the plea deal process, with Steve stating they felt “used” and that the deal was “expedience over justice.”
Video Sources:
- ABC News: Coverage includes Steve Goncalves’ statement and the family’s reaction post-sentencing, highlighting the horrific details of Kaylee’s injuries.
- YouTube (Court TV): Features the Goncalves family’s full victim impact statements, capturing Steve’s direct confrontation and Alivea’s powerful remarks.
- FOX 13 Seattle: Provides additional footage of the family’s emotional testimonies during the sentencing.
- NBC New York: Shows the family’s confrontation with Kohberger, emphasizing their eviscerating statements.
For the most comprehensive video coverage, I recommend checking the ABC News or Court TV YouTube channels, which include detailed clips of the Goncalves family’s statements. The family’s remarks reflect their profound grief, anger, and determination to honor Kaylee’s memory while condemning Kohberger’s actions and the plea deal’s outcome.