Some in court appeared to become emotional as the names of the victims were read out. Kohberger remained impassive, including when he admitted to killing the four victims.
The brutal nature of the murders, the age of the victims and the suspect’s background in criminology sparked intense public interest in the case.
The plea deal has divided the families of the victims.
Outside court, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, Steve, said he felt “pretty let down”.
He said the state “made a deal with the devil”.
The family wanted a full confession, including details about the location of the murder weapon and confirmation the defendant acted alone.
However, Madison Mogen’s mother and stepfather said outside court they supported the plea agreement.
In a statement read out by their lawyer they expressed gratitude to everyone who had supported them and for the “successful outcome”.
“We support the plea agreement 100%,” the attorney read. “We turn from tragedy and mourning… to the light of the future. We have closure.”
Kohberger, who was a student at nearby Washington State University, was charged in January 2023.
It’s not believed he knew the victims personally.
