Hey, serial killers listeners, producer Chelsea here. Before we dive into part two of this story about the Idaho four, I wanted to talk about some breaking news. You'll hear some references to an upcoming trial in this episode, but after we recorded, Brian Kovberger made a surprise move. On July 2nd, 2025, just three weeks before his trial was set to begin,

Brian Koberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Zana Kronodal, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogan, and Kaley Gonzalez.

The agreement made with prosecutors means that Koberger will avoid the death penalty.

On July 23rd, he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Though there was some speculation he may address the court and answer some of the many lingering questions,

he ultimately declined to make a statement.

In a press conference after the hearing, Moscow police captain Brett Payne did reveal some new information.

Payne said that in law enforcement's initial interview with Koberger, he, quote,

shut down as soon as he learned the interview was about the Moscow murders.

LATO County prosecutor Bill Thompson believes that even if Coburger had spoken,

he likely would have lied.

When they dove into his background, police said they couldn't find any evidence

Coburger was, quote, a serial killer in waiting,

nor could they find any reason why he targeted the house on 1122 King Road.

It turns out, Coburger thoroughly wiped his electronics before authorities could dig into those records.

Prosecutor Bill Thompson also outlined the case his team would have presented if the trial had happened.

You'll hear that evidence along with information about Koberger's childhood,

dark struggles from his time in grad school, and eerie criminology homework, all in this episode.

At the sentencing hearing, loved ones of the victims got to say their peace during the victim

impact statements. Parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings

talked about how much Kaylee, Maddie, Ethan, and Zana meant to them.

The surviving roommates, Dylan and Bethany,

...