‘He Convicted Himself’: Gregg Jarrett Explains Why ‘Not So Smart’ Kohberger Confessed

Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett said Monday on “Hannity” that he believes 30-year-old Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students because the evidence presented by prosecutors effectively convicted him.

Reports broke Monday that Kohberger accepted a plea deal on all counts tied to the 2022 murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kernodle’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin. The Goncalves family expressed disappointment that Kohberger would avoid the death penalty. Host Sean Hannity asked Jarrett for his reaction.

“Yeah, it’s understandable, but the government always has the final say,” Jarrett said. “Kohberger, he knew what he did. He knew he was headed for a very quick conviction and the death penalty. So after this two-and-a-half year charade, he finally confessed to save his own life.”

“A credit, I think, is owed to the prosecutors and investigators. They methodically assembled a very powerful case. No defense could overcome it. They forced Kohberger to accept their terms. No possibility of parole on a life sentence, waive all rights to appeal. Philosophically, life in prison or death, that’s a Hobson’s choice.

In November 2022, the four former students were brutally murdered inside an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho, with two roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortenson, surviving the attack. While speaking to authorities, Funke and Mortenson said they had seen a man dressed in black clothing and a mask previously walking past the house. (RELATED: Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty To Idaho College Murders)

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With little information released about the ongoing investigation at the time, officials eventually arrested Kohberger after more than four weeks of a manhunt, locating him at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania. According to court documents, investigators used the then-28-year-old’s cell phone data that reportedly showed him at the scene 23 times. Security footage and DNA — matched to a knife sheath found at the crime scene — identified him, investigators said.

“One can argue that a miserable life behind bars is worse. It is understandable, having said that, that the family of at least one of the victims is angry at the deal. They wanted death,” Jarrett said. “But, as I say, ultimately, it’s up to the government. They felt a confession that puts him away forever, avoids the trauma of a trial and endless appeals that stretch on for years, if not decades, was a better option.”

“This reminds me of the famous Leopold and Loeb case, two guys who thought they were so smart they could commit the perfect murder. And, like Kohberger, they left a trail of amateurish mistakes that incriminated them. Kohberger is not so smart. He convicted himself,” Jarrett said.

Following the announcement that Kohberger struck a deal with prosecutors to receive four consecutive life sentences and the maximum penalty of 10 years for burglary, a Facebook group page run by the Goncalves family responded.

“It’s true! We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support,” the post said.

Prior to his arrest, Kohberger had been a criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University. Before the Idaho students were stabbed to death, Kohberger had reportedly messaged one of the girls several times online, with officials also claiming he cased the students’ off-campus home at least 12 times before the murders, according to FOX6.

Kohberger’s trial was expected to begin on Aug. 11, with jury selection starting Aug. 4.