New York Times: Idaho's Kohberger Wants Guilty Plea Withdrawn

In the early morning hours of November 13th, 2022, four University of Idaho students were brutally killed in the quiet of night.

The suspect, Bryan Kohberger, has been in custody since December of 2022.

Despite being innocent until proven guilty--court documents, evidence, and leaked trial material continued to convince the millions following the case so closely that Kohberger was surely the man who committed these brutal crimes.

The trial, set to begin on August 18th of 2025 never happened. In a hearing on July 2nd of 2025, Kohberger admitted in front of Judge Steven Hippler that he was the man behind the crimes--pleading guilty to all counts in exchange for no death penalty.

Now, a report from the New York Times, just over a year later, is claiming that Kohberger wants to 'withdraw' that plea.

In a quote now quicky spreading across the internet, the New York Times says that Kohberger said:

My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn

The New York Times also said that Kohberger claims he has an "Absolute claim of innocence".

The July of 2025 written plea agreement presented that Kohberger would plead guilty on all counts

Four courts of First Degree Murder (a fixed life sentence for each)
One Count of Felony Burglary (10 years, fixed)

By accepting the plea deal, Kohberger waived his right to appeal.

Kohberger, addressed by Judge Hippler, stood and took an oath before making a plea.

When asked if he was of clear mind, Kohberger responded 'yes'.

When asked if he understands that by pleading guilty, he did indeed commit these crimes. Kohberger, responded 'yes'.

Judge Steven Hippler then moved to ask if Kohberger entered the home on King Road to commit murder--deliberately, willfully, with malice and forethought. Four times. Kohberger answered 'yes'.

Kohberger then said, himself, 'Guilty' to all five charges--one at a time--with a stone cold and straight face.

It's impossible to imagine this case going to trial now--or that a withdrawal of plea would ever fly. His claims to the New York Times are not formal court filings--at least not yet.

We will continue to update this story as it develops.

The entire piece written by the New York Times can be read, HERE.