Bryan Kohberger is asking an Idaho court to withdraw his guilty plea in the killings of four University of Idaho students, saying he wants to reopen the case and claiming the plea was based on “false promises” and incorrect information.
Kohberger, who is serving time in prison after admitting to the murders last year, told The New York Times in a prison interview that he had filed a petition seeking post-conviction relief. Court documents show the filing was submitted Monday in Idaho.
The former Washington State University graduate student entered a guilty plea in 2024, becoming the first time he publicly acknowledged responsibility for the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
"My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn,” Kohberger said in a statement provided to The New York Times.
Kohberger’s legal team has not publicly commented on the filing. The office of Anne Taylor, one of his attorneys, declined to comment.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said his office is prepared to respond to the legal challenge.
“My heart goes out to the families of Madison, Kaylee, Xana, and Ethan, who have already endured unimaginable loss and now must face today’s deeply painful news,” the statement read.
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