Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty last year to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, is now asking a court to let him reverse that plea and go to trial.

In court documents filed this week and detailed in a New York Times interview from prison, Kohberger claims his guilty plea was the result of “coercion, disinformation, false promises, and the withholding of exculpatory discovery.” He argues that a “new discovery” of evidence means he should be allowed to withdraw the plea.

Kohberger, 31, pleaded guilty in 2025 to four counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The plea deal took the death penalty off the table in exchange for consecutive life sentences without parole, plus an additional term for burglary. As part of the agreement, he also waived most rights to appeal.

In his new filing, Kohberger asserts “actual innocence” and says his defense team failed to disclose or properly review potentially helpful evidence. He told the New York Times: “My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn.”

Victims’ families have expressed frustration at the latest development. Some previously criticized the original plea deal for denying them a full trial. Idaho officials have indicated they will oppose any attempt to reopen the case.

A judge will decide whether Kohberger meets the legal standard to withdraw a guilty plea after sentencing. Such requests are difficult to win, especially after a defendant has admitted guilt in open court and received the benefit of avoiding capital punishment.

The case remains one of the most closely watched criminal matters in recent years. Kohberger is currently serving his life sentences.

Sources

• New York Post and New York Times