The families of four murdered University of Idaho students finally saw justice served as Bryan Kohberger received four life sentences without parole. The killer pleaded guilty earlier this month in a deal that spared him from the death penalty. Judge Steven Hippler called the crimes unexplainable during Wednesday’s sentencing in Boise.

Kohberger will never walk free after taking the lives of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. His plea deal included a 10-year sentence for burglary on top of the life terms. The cold-blooded murders happened in Moscow back in November 2022.

Judge Hippler slammed Kohberger’s actions as completely irrational. He told the court that searching for reasons behind the slaughter only gives the killer more power. The judge made it clear this monster’s fame ends now.

Heartbroken relatives poured out their grief in emotional victim impact statements. Over a dozen family members described their unending pain to the court. They stood strong while facing the man who destroyed their lives.

Surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen broke her silence at the hearing. Through tears, she described how Kohberger shattered her trust in the world. The 19-year-old said panic attacks now hit her “like a tsunami” without warning.

Mortensen told the court she lives in constant fear since that night. Simple things like closing her eyes or being alone became terrifying. She’s determined to honor her friends by living fully despite the horror.

The plea deal that saved Kohberger from execution shows our justice system’s weakness. Real justice would’ve seen this killer face the ultimate penalty for his evil crimes. Soft punishments mock the victims and their families.

Kohberger’s life behind bars brings little comfort to those left to mourn. The survivors and victims’ families must carry this trauma forever. Their nightmare serves as a stark warning about the evil lurking among us.