For seven agonizing weeks, the family of murdered University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves lived in a fog of grief and unanswered questions. Now, with suspect Bryan Kohberger behind bars, their attorney says they finally have a place to direct their anger.
Steve and Kristi Goncalves have reportedly found a measure of relief following Kohberger’s arrest, though the pain of losing their 21-year-old daughter remains raw. Their family attorney, Shanon Gray, tells The Post that the couple is emotionally spent but thankful the investigation led to a suspect.
“It was emotional for them,” Gray shared. “You have a lot of anger, and now oddly enough, you can direct those emotions towards someone.” He added that the parents are grateful the police completed their job and made an arrest.
Kaylee was killed alongside her best friend Madison Mogen, also 21, and couple Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, both 20, as they slept in their off-campus home on Nov. 13. Police had disclosed few details during the investigation—only that the murder weapon was a knife and they were searching for a White Hyundai Elantra.
Kohberger, a Ph. D. criminology student at Washington State University, was arrested Dec.
30 after police tracked him driving with his father in a car matching the description. An FBI team gathered evidence before the arrest, and sources tell CNN investigators used a public genealogy database to connect him with DNA from the scene, along with cell phone records.
His extradition lawyer in Pennsylvania says Kohberger plans to plead not guilty, and his family has urged the public to remember he is only a suspect, presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Gray says the Goncalves family is eager to face the alleged killer in court this week when he is extradited to Idaho. They haven’t yet discussed whether to pursue the death penalty, with Gray calling it “too early” in what promises to be a long legal process.
As for a motive, Gray speculated that Kohberger “probably had an idea of what he was doing” when he allegedly targeted the students. He noted that sometimes people are simply mentally ill, adding, “You don’t need a motive for conviction.”
Authorities are expected to release more details once Kohberger is arraigned in Moscow, Idaho, and the probable cause affidavit is unsealed.
What do you think drove someone to commit such a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 crime—and what secrets might still come to light?
