Idaho Victim Ethan Chapin's Family Says Bryan Kohberger's Sentencing was ‘Right Outcome’ in Emotional Statement By Becca Longmire

The family of Ethan Chapin, who was one of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger, has released an emotional statement after choosing not to attend his sentencing last month.

On July 23, Kohberger, 30, was sentenced to four lifetimes in prison without parole in an Idaho courtroom for the murders of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Chapin, 20 — plus 10 years for a burglary charge and $270,000 in fines and civil penalties.

The four victims were found brutally stabbed to death inside their off-campus Moscow home on Nov. 13, 2022.

According to ABC News, the Chapin family didn’t attend the sentencing, but did share a statement on Instagram on Ethan’s mother Stacy Chapin’s account on Thursday, July 31, insisting they’d “given a lot of thought” to what they should say since the sentencing date.

“[We] have edited this a million times. The entire situation has been a tough pill to swallow but at the end of the day, we believe the outcome is the right one,” they said in the post, which was shared alongside multiple family photos of Ethan with his parents Stacy and Jim, and his siblings Hunter and Maizie.

Mentioning “the true heroes in our lives,” the family thanked the Moscow Police Department, ISP and FBI, “who worked tirelessly on this case, and spent time away from their loved ones,” as well as “the prosecutors who openly communicated with transparency, answered every call and email, and were fantastic throughout this process.”

“The University of Idaho staff who consistently supported our family, especially Maizie and Hunter, from their first day of orientation through graduation this past May,” the post added, as well as thanking their “incredible extended family, friends, and the communities that continue to lift us up every day.” 

“They’re our backbone, and we recognize how fortunate and privileged we are to have this ongoing support,” the caption read.

The statement also thanked, “All of the kids!! Close friends of the triplets, Greek family, and others who were part of this story from the very beginning.” 

“Although each of their experiences is different, all have suffered severe loss and trauma. We continue to be in awe of their strength, and will continue to support them in any way we can,” the message read, as well as thanking “the media for providing us with opportunities to share our story while treating us with respect and care.”

The family concluded by sharing a special tribute to Ethan, writing, “Finally, thank you, Ethan. You were only with us for 20 years, but you touched the lives of so many people.”

“From the time you were a baby to when we dropped you off at college, you were an absolute joy and the glue that held our family together,” the family continued. “We remember your smile, your laugh, how you kept us in check, and the many ways you brought happiness and light to any situation.” 

“There will never be another you. There would never have been enough time with you. We love you, miss you, and promise to continue honoring your legacy,” they insisted.

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The statement came after a trove of recently unsealed police reports released by the Moscow Police Department shed new light on the final moments of the victims’ lives.

Evidence previously suggested that Ethan, who was sleeping at the time, nor his girlfriend Kernodle, were Kohberger’s intended victims on the night they were murdered. The reports suggested thatKernodle had instead encountered the killer upon returning upstairs after collecting a DoorDash delivery left outside the door on the first floor.

It’s believed Kohberger may have chased Kernodle, stabbing her more than 50 times, before accidentally leaving behind the biggest piece of evidence in the case — his KA-BAR knife sheath. Kernodle put up a fight, and the commotion got the attention of surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen.

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During an emotional interview on the TODAY show shortly before Kohberger’s sentencing last month, Ethan’s parents spoke about their son and how the killer appeared in court.

“You expected some — I don’t know — some remorse, emotion, something, and there was just zero,” Stacy said of coming face-to-face with Kohberger for the first time during his plea hearing on July 2.

Ethan’s parents said they speak to their son every day when they wake up. “I have him where I need him,” Stacy said. “In my mind and my heart and my soul.”