Newly released court records indicate that the sister of Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students, was slated to testify for the prosecution had his case proceeded to trial.
The documents, unsealed this month, show that Amanda Kohberger was named on the state’s witness list shortly before her brother accepted a plea agreement. Kohberger ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and a burglary charge in July, receiving four consecutive life sentences plus an additional ten years in prison. The agreement spared him a trial and the possibility of the death penalty.
Amanda Kohberger and her sister, Melissa, were raised with their brother in Pennsylvania. Public records show both sisters lost their jobs following Bryan Kohberger’s arrest in late 2022. The family issued a statement at the time expressing profound sadness and a commitment to cooperating with authorities while maintaining his presumption of innocence.
Prior to her brother’s arrest, Amanda Kohberger had pursued a career in acting, appearing in a minor thriller film over a decade ago. She later transitioned to a role as a school counselor.
During the emotional sentencing hearing in July, Amanda Kohberger and her mother were present in the courtroom. Observers noted their visible distress as the judge described the profound and lasting damage caused by the crimes. Reports indicated that Bryan Kohberger did not acknowledge his family members as he was led from the court.
The unsealed filings confirm that Amanda Kohberger was also included on a separate defense witness list, suggesting both sides considered her testimony relevant. Legal analysts note that the timing of her addition to the prosecution’s list, just days before the guilty plea was finalized, raises questions about its potential influence on the resolution of the high-profile case.
