Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Erin Keller

Emotional judge calls Bryan Kohberger a ‘faceless coward’ as he sentenced him to die in prison

Judge Steven Hippler did not mince his words as he sentenced “the worst of the worst” Bryan Kohberger to four consecutive life terms for murdering four University of Idaho students.

An at times choked-up Hippler delivered an emotional, several-minute-long statement before sentencing Kohberger, 30, calling him a "faceless coward."

The Idaho judge also shared his admiration for the victims' families.

Hippler ripped intoKohberger for showing no remorse and said he couldn't legally compel him to explain the killings, but doubted Kohberger would tell the truth even if asked.

"There is no reason for these crimes that could approach anything resembling rationality," Hippler said.

"No conceivable reason could make any sense, and in the end, the more we struggle to seek an explanation for the unexplainable, the more we try to extract a reason, the more power and control we give to him. In my view, the time has now come to end Mr. Kohberger's 15 minutes of fame."

Hippler mentioned one of Idaho's longest-serving judges, Edward Lodge, and how the legend always tried to think of one good quality in the people he sentenced.

“Truth be told, I'm unable to come up with anything redeeming about Mr. Kohberger, because his grotesque acts of evil have buried and hidden anything that might have been good or intrinsically human about him,” Hippler told the courtroom.

Scott Laramie, stepfather of victim Madison Morgan, listens during the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse on July 23 in Boise, Idaho. (Getty Images)

“His actions have made him the worst of the worst. Even in pleading guilty, he’s given nothing hinting of remorse or redemption, nothing suggesting even a recognition or understanding, let alone regret, for the pain that he has caused,” he continued.

“Therefore, I will not attempt to speak about him further, other than to simply sentence him so that he is forever removed from civilized society.”

The killer showed no reaction as Hippler revealed his fate.

On top of the consecutive life sentences, Kohberger was fined $50,000 per charge and must pay $5,000 in civil penalties to each victim's family.

Dylan Mortensen is comforted after speaking at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse on July 23 in Boise, Idaho. (Getty Images)

As part of the plea deal, he must submit his DNA. Kohberger has no chance at parole.

Kohberger waived his right to appeal, but Hippler said he can still file a notice of appeal, though doing so may breach the terms of his plea agreement.

The murderer also declined to speak following the reading of victim impact statements, to which the victims’ families and surviving roommates reportedly mumbled, “surprise, surprise” and “coward.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.