A Killer's Debt: Paying for the Ashes

A judge in Idaho has decided that Bryan Kohberger, the man who killed four University of Idaho students, must pay back the families of Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen for their urns. This ruling came after prosecutors asked the judge to make Kohberger cover the $3, 000 cost of the urns that hold the ashes of the two young women. Kohberger is already set to pay over $30, 000 in restitution as part of his plea deal. He avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to the murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Mogen, and Goncalves in November 2022. His lawyers say he doesn't have the money to pay more, but the judge thinks Kohberger can find a way to cover the costs. Judge Steven Hippler pointed out that Kohberger has already received nearly $29, 000 in donations since his arrest. The judge believes Kohberger can keep getting donations, especially from his family, and even find a job in prison to earn money. The judge thinks Kohberger can meet his financial obligations over time. Kohberger's defense team says most of the donations came from his family to help him communicate while in jail and that public donations have slowed down since he pleaded guilty. But the judge is confident that Kohberger can find a way to pay back the families. This case has been in the spotlight since the brutal stabbings shocked the small college town. The judge's decision shows that even after pleading guilty, Kohberger still has financial responsibilities to the families of his victims.