On Monday, prosecutors said they will pursue the death penalty for the man suspected of killing four University of Idaho students last year.
According to the Idaho Statesman, prosecutors wrote in their filing that Bryan Kohberger’s crimes were “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity.” They also claimed that the quadruple murder, which transpired during a burglary, “exhibited [an] utter disregard for human life.”
The filing went on to state that Kohberger is a threat to society, which justifies capital punishment.
The Idaho Statesman reported that for Kohberger to receive the death penalty, the jury must unanimously decide that at least one aggravating factor is present.
Kohberger, a Ph.D. criminal justice student at Washington State University, was arrested in December in Pennsylvania for murdering Maggie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle at the women’s off-campus home.
He is believed to have turned off his phone during the November 13 murders. However, police claim he visited the area 12 times before the slayings.
Kohberger was arrested after a cross-country trip with his father from Idaho to Pennsylvania. During their trip, Indiana police pulled over the pair twice. Sources claimed the FBI requested the traffic stops to view possible injuries on Kohberger’s hands.
Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary. He remains jailed without bail. His trial is scheduled to begin on October 2.
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[Featured image: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool)]
