U of I murder victim's family says life is 'on hold' until 2025 trial

MOSCOW, Idaho -- With a tentative trial date set for the University of Idaho murder case, the victims' families are hoping for some form of closure after a long journey.

Two years after the murder of four University of Idaho students, the trial of accused killer, Bryan Kohberger, is set to begin in June 2025.

Kohberger is accused of murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle in an off-campus house in Moscow in November 2022.

"We do look forward to the court date, because then, I feel, as a family, we truly can heal and we can look forward to it. You look forward to it being over. Very much so," said Kristi and Steve Goncalves, Kaylee's parents.

The Goncalveses said every step toward justice brings hope in what has been an emotional battleground.

"I'm thankful that we have a date and that we have something that we could get to and that we're moving forward. I do wish it was a lot sooner, because, our lives, they're just on hold," said Kristi.

A court-issued gag order has kept them in the dark.

"It's just wrong to be shut out of your own child's life. It's not a good feeling. And we'll learn in trial when everybody else does, which is really hard," said Steve and Kristi.

For them, and everyone following the case, the court date will hopefully reveal the truth.

"I don't think people realize that this is real. This is not a movie. This is not a story," said Steve and Kristi.

In August, the court will hold a hearing on whether or not the case will be moved out of Latah County.

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