UPDATE: In a shocking ruling just handed down, Bryan Kohberger has been ordered to pay an additional $3,000 to the families of his victims, marking the third anniversary of the University of Idaho murders. This court decision highlights the financial implications of his actions, as Judge Steven Hippler revealed that Kohberger has access to significant funds while serving a life sentence.
The court order, issued on November 13, 2025, mandates Kohberger to cover the costs of urns for victims Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. Judge Hippler dismissed Kohberger’s claims of financial inability, citing that he has received an astonishing $28,360.96 in donations during his time in custody. Much of this money, according to his defense team, came from his family to facilitate communication in prison.
“He has received nearly enough through donations to cover the amount of restitution already ordered,” Judge Hippler stated. The ruling underscores that Kohberger could still earn money through prison employment and potential future donations, despite his current life sentence without parole.
The judge emphasized the importance of holding Kohberger accountable, stating, “Given his limited needs in prison and his youth, it is foreseeable that through employment and donations, Defendant may receive sufficient amounts over his life to at least come close to meeting his financial restitution obligations.”
Along with the recent order for urn payments, Kohberger faces a total of $251,227.50 in criminal fines, $20,000 in civil judgments for each victim’s family, and $28,956.88 in restitution to Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin‘s families, plus the state’s crime victim’s compensation fund.
The ruling coincides with a poignant remembrance of the tragic events of November 13, 2022, when Kohberger broke into an off-campus home and fatally stabbed four students, including best friends Goncalves and Mogen, and couple Kernodle and Chapin. The community of Moscow, Idaho, is commemorating the anniversary with vigils and tributes to the victims.
“There’s nothing quite like having a sister. You are forever loved and missed, Xana,” wrote Jazzmin Kernodle on Instagram, honoring her sister.
Despite the court’s ruling, legal arguments about Kohberger’s potential earnings from media contracts remain contentious. Prosecutor Bill Thompson asserted that victims’ families should be entitled to any profits from Kohberger’s story, while his attorney, Elissa Massoth, countered that there are no current plans for media deals and pointed to Idaho’s ‘Son of Sam’ law, which prohibits criminals from profiting from their crimes.
Judge Hippler noted that while Kohberger’s ability to profit from media contracts is limited, it is not entirely ruled out, leaving open the possibility of future financial gains that could impact restitution payments.
The families of the victims continue to seek justice and closure as they navigate the emotional aftermath of this tragic case. In a heartfelt gesture, the Chapin family is hosting a scholarship auction for the Ethan’s Smile Foundation, aiming to turn their tragedy into a force for good.
This urgent story continues to unfold as the community remembers the lives lost and seeks accountability from Kohberger. Stay tuned for more breaking updates.
