Legal representatives for the man convicted of killing four University of Idaho students appeared before a judge this week to contest a court-ordered financial penalty. They argued their client should not be responsible for approximately $27,000 in additional restitution meant to cover travel expenses for two of the victims’ families.
The defense’s primary contention is that the families in question raised funds through online campaigns to assist with costs, suggesting the court-mandated payment is unnecessary. The attorney also stated the convicted individual lacks the personal resources to fulfill this obligation.
This restitution sum is separate from the financial penalties mandated as part of a prior legal agreement. Under that agreement, the individual is required to pay significant criminal fines and restitution directly to the families of the four victims.
The 30-year-old defendant, a former criminology student, pleaded guilty to the 2022 stabbing deaths in exchange for the removal of the death penalty as a potential sentence. He is now serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole at a maximum-security facility.
The recent hearing follows reports that the inmate has received financial support from outside sources while incarcerated. Despite this alleged support, he has reportedly faced difficulties adapting to prison life, including limited outdoor time and conflicts with other inmates, prompting formal complaints and requests for a transfer.
