Newly released legal documents have revealed 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 court records, unsealed earlier this month, show that Amanda Kohberger was included on a witness list by state prosecutors. Her name also appeared on a separate list of potential witnesses for the defense, intended to speak in mitigation during a potential sentencing phase. This development occurred shortly before Kohberger accepted a plea agreement.
Kohberger, a former criminology student, pleaded guilty in July to four counts of first-degree murder and a burglary charge in connection with the 2022 killings. He was subsequently sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, plus an additional ten years, thereby avoiding a trial and the death penalty.
The Kohberger siblings, including Amanda and another sister, were raised in Pennsylvania. Public records indicate Amanda once pursued a career in acting before transitioning to work in education. Following her brother’s arrest in 2023, it was reported that both sisters lost their jobs.
During the emotional sentencing hearing in late July, Amanda and her mother were present in the courtroom. Observers noted their visible distress as the judge imposed the life sentences. Reports from the proceeding stated that Kohberger did not acknowledge his family members as he was led from the court.
In a statement released after his 2023 arrest, the Kohberger family expressed profound sorrow for the victims’ families and emphasized their cooperation with law enforcement in an effort to seek the truth.
