Stacy Chapin, the mother of slain University of Idaho student Ethan Chapin, expressed her belief that the life sentence given to Bryan Kohberger was the appropriate outcome for the brutal killings of her son and his three classmates. Upon Kohberger’s sentencing at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, Stacy chose to share her grief publicly for the first time, despite not attending the event. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she reflected on the profound loss her family has endured since Ethan’s death on November 13, 2022, emphasizing that they had spent significant time contemplating their message about the tragedy.
Stacy’s poignant tribute highlighted Ethan’s vibrant spirit, recalling how he had touched countless lives during his two decades. She described him as the “glue” that held their family together, and fondly remembered his smile and infectious joy. The family’s statement underscored their commitment to honoring Ethan’s legacy, affirming that no amount of time would have been sufficient with him. In her message, Stacy expressed gratitude to investigators, prosecutors, and the University of Idaho community for their support during this trying period, reinforcing the notion that the family feels supported as they navigate their grief.
The Chapin family did not attend Kohberger’s sentencing, unlike the families of other victims, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, and Xana Kernodle, who were present. This decision reflected their sense of “closure” following Kohberger’s guilty plea, which had been made prior to sentencing. Jim Chapin, Ethan’s father, mentioned that he felt indifferent to Kohberger’s fate, emphasizing that the safety of the community had been restored with Kohberger off the streets. He expressed a longing for his family to finally heal and move forward, stating that the long ordeal had come to a satisfying conclusion for them.
Other families of the victims, however, found themselves at odds with the Chapins’ perspective on the plea deal that guaranteed life imprisonment instead of a death sentence for Kohberger. While the Chapins found this arrangement liberating from the trauma associated with potential trial testimonies, the families of Mogen, Goncalves, and Kernodle voiced frustrations. They believed that the plea deal compromised justice and denied them a chance to confront Kohberger in a courtroom, thereby missing the opportunity to fully express the profound impact of his actions on their lives.
During the sentencing, poignant victim impact statements from other victims’ families highlighted the deep-seated anger and sorrow over the murders. Alivea Goncalves, Kaylee’s sister, delivered a fierce address to Kohberger, labeling him a “pedophile” and confronting him about his cowardice in attacking defenseless individuals in their sleep. Her emotional remarks resonated with the struggles of families trying to comprehend the senseless violence and articulate the extent of their loss.
In contrast, Cara Northington, the mother of Xana Kernodle, shared her personal journey towards forgiveness, stating that she had found peace despite the pain of losing her daughter. Her statement served as a testament to the complexities of grief and the differing ways families cope with the repercussions of such tragedy. Kohberger remained silent throughout the proceedings, a stark reminder of the emotional turmoil left in the wake of his heinous crimes. The divergence of opinions among the victims’ families underlines the multifaceted nature of justice and the emotional aftermath of violent crime.
