The Goncalves family has finally felt some relief after the arrest of Christian Kohberger, the suspect for murdering their beloved daughter Kaylee Goncalves.
After the long and difficult crime investigation, which included days of intense emotion and grief that lasted for seven weeks, the family lawyer was elated that this step of the legal proceedings was finished.
With a sense of determination, Steve and Kristi Goncalves can now set their sights on bringing justice to this devastating case; though still mourning the loss of their daughter, they find comfort in knowing they have taken their next steps in seeking closure.
The family will have an opportunity to direct their fury towards someone responsible when Kohberger appears in court in Moscow, Idaho after his extradition from Pennsylvania.
Kaylee’s dad’s statement
When the Pennsylvania man suspected of the killings eventually appeared in their courthouse, the father of Kaylee Gonclaves, one of the victims, spoke out as detectives prepared to return quadruple-murder suspect Bryan Christopher Kohberger to Idaho from Pennsylvania, where he was detained
“I want him to be sick of seeing us and sick of knowing that these people won’t let it go,” Steve Goncalves said in an interview. “You know, it’s a battle of wills, and we’ll see who wins.”
Before Kohberger was arrested, he was a Ph.D. candidate at the nearby Washington State University was unknown to him, the man claimed.
Shannon Gray, Goncalves’ attorney, said when asked if Kohberger had any connections to the victims:
“We’re gathering as much information as we can that might help out the investigation. There is a lot of evidence that is yet to be discovered,” Goncalves said.
In a recent interview, Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, who was fatally stabbed in her off-campus apartment close to the University of Idaho last month, was questioned about if his daughter knew Kohberger.
Goncalves remarked, “I’m biassed, but if he got to know my daughter, I would think it would be impossible for you to hurt her. I think a little bit of us all kinda felt like this was somebody who didn’t have a chance to meet her, talk to her, get to know her because she was [a] very likable person and she didn’t have a mean bone in her body”.
The Goncalves family is aggressively searching to determine if there are any ties between their daughter and Kohberger.
Kohberger charged in the murder case
Last week, a suspect was taken into custody in Pennsylvania related to the tragic University of Idaho killings. The suspect, Kohberger, is facing counts of first-degree murder and criminal burglary.
The Kohberger family has not been shy to participate in the investigation while also displaying tremendous support for them throughout this difficult time. This tragedy has shaken the University of Idaho and the entire region as they grieve for those lost too soon.
“Let the legal process unfold and as a family, we will love and support our son and brother,” the statement read in part.
Idaho authorities are expecting the arrival of Kohberger, who is to face four charges of first-degree murder and burglary. His extradition hearing is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, and according to his public lawyer, he will more than likely be back in Idaho by the evening of the same day.
DNA evidence has been particularly important for successfully linking him to the murders. Furthermore, the probable cause affidavit that provides details regarding his arrest remains secret and only be unveiled in court when he is served with it upon landing in Idaho.
In light of upcoming developments and since Kohberger’s fate lies on U.S. soil now, it was essential to clarify who was going to be an advocate on his behalf in Idaho, which thus far can only be attributed to his extradition lawyer – LaBar.
Information after arrested
Stephen Kohberger, previously enrolled in DeSales University and Washington State University, made national headlines when he was arrested in December.
Little information has become available to the public following his arrest, except that he studied criminology and attained multiple degrees, with a bachelor’s degree from DeSales University and enrolment at Washington State University’s criminology Ph.D. program.
Mr. LaBar, Kohberger’s attorney, stated that his client is anxious to be exonerated of the charges and wishes for them to be settled swiftly.
Subsequently, Kohberger intends to forgo his extradition hearing so that he may return to Idaho and begin legal proceedings there without delay.
