He pleaded guilty earlier this month in a deal to avoid the death penalty. He declined to speak in court.
The victims' loved ones shared emotional statements, with some expressing sadness, anger or even forgiveness.
Here's what to know about Kohberger's sentencing.
The trial had been set to begin next month
Mogen, Kernodle, Goncalves and Chapin were found stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2022. The crime horrified the city, which hadn't seen a homicide in about five years, and prompted a massive search for the perpetrator.
Kohberger, a graduate student in criminology at nearby Washington State University, was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, roughly six weeks later.
A Q-tip from the garbage at his parents' house and genetic genealogy were used to match Kohberger's DNA to material recovered from a knife sheath found at the home, investigators said. They used surveillance camera footage to help locate a white sedan that was seen repeatedly driving past the home on the night of the killings.
Kohberger’s attorneys got the trial moved to Boise after expressing concerns that the court wouldn’t be able to find enough unbiased jurors in Moscow. But Judge Stephen Hippler rejected their efforts to get the death penalty taken off the table and to strike critical evidence — including the DNA — from being admitted in trial.
In exchange for Kohberger admitting guilt and waiving his right to appeal, prosecutors agreed not to seek his execution. Both sides recommended that he serve four consecutive life sentences without parole.
The victim's families were split on how they felt about the plea deal.
Many details are unknown
It's unclear why Kohberger killed the four students and spared two roommates who were home at the time.
Cellphone location data showed Kohberger had been in the neighborhood multiple times before the attack.
Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said that Kohberger used his knowledge about forensic investigations to attempt to cover his tracks by deep cleaning his vehicle after the crime.
Police say Kohberger's Amazon purchase history shows he bought a military-style knife and sheath. But the knife was never found.
Judges feared the publicity of the case could harm Kohberger's right to a fair trial. A sweeping gag order was imposed and hundreds of court documents were sealed, which a coalition of news organizations including The Associated Press fought.
The motive remains a mystery, officials said. “We have never, to this day, found a single connection between him and the four victims or the two surviving roommates,” Idaho State Police Lieutenant Darren Gilbertson told reporters after the hearing.
Hours after the sentencing, the Moscow Police Department published hundreds of pages of documents in the largest release of information in the case.
Some of the documents describe detectives walking through the crime scene and discovering the victims, each of whom had multiple stab wounds. Others recount police interviews with friends and acquaintances of the victims.
Relatives and friends speak out
The families and surviving roommates of the victims described in court the damage the killings have done to them.
“This world was a better place with her in it,” said Scott Laramie, Mogen's stepfather. "As for the defendant, we will not waste the words. Nor will we fall into hatred and bitterness. Evil has many faces, and we now know this, but evil does not deserve our time and attention. We are done being victims. We are taking back our lives.”
The father of Kaylee Goncalves taunted Kohberger for leaving his DNA behind and getting caught despite being a graduate student in criminology at nearby Washington State University at the time.
“You were that careless, that foolish, that stupid,” Steve Goncalves said. “Master’s degree? You’re a joke.”
Some loved ones expressed forgiveness.
“Bryan, I’m here today to tell you I have forgiven you because I no longer could live with that hate in my heart,” said Kim Kernodle, Xana's aunt, turning to face Kohberger directly. “Any time you want to talk and tell me what happened, get my number. I'm here, no judgment, because I do have questions that I want you to answer."
Foundations honor Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan
Friends and family members have sought to commemorate the victims' lives by raising money for scholarships and other initiatives.
Ethan's Smile Foundation, started by Chapin's family, honors his "love of life, people, and new adventures by providing scholarships that enable others to follow their dreams," its website says.
The Made With Kindness Foundation honors the legacy of Mogen, Goncalves, and Kernodle through scholarships, wellness support and empowerment initiatives. "Our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation, turning their dreams into realities in a world that values compassion and community," its website says.
The University of Idaho built the Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial in memory of all students who passed away while enrolled at the school.
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The story has been updated to correct the year of the killings to 2022 from 2023 on second reference.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP