Idaho
Defense asks judge to ban the death penalty for man charged in stabbing deaths of 4 Idaho students
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Attorneys for a man charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students asked a judge to take the death penalty off the table Thursday, arguing that international, federal and state law all make it inappropriate for the case.
Bryan Kohberger is accused of the Nov. 13, 2022, killings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. Investigators said they were able to link Kohberger — then a graduate student at nearby Washington State University — to the crime from DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene, surveillance videos and cellphone data.
When asked to enter a plea last year, Kohberger stood silent, prompting a judge to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
During a pre-trial motion hearing, Kohberger’s defense team made a broad range of arguments against the death penalty, saying in part that it does not fit today’s standards of decency, that it is cruel to make condemned inmates sit for decades on death row awaiting execution and that it violates an international treaty prohibiting the torture of prisoners.
But 4th District Judge Stephen Hippler questioned many of those claims, saying that the international treaty they referenced was focused on ensuring that prisoners are given due process so they are not convicted and executed without a fair trial.
Prosecutors noted that the Idaho Supreme Court has already considered many of those arguments in other capital cases and allowed the the death penalty to stand.
Still, by bringing up the issues during the motion hearing, Kohberger’s defense team took the first step toward preserving their legal arguments in the court record, potentially allowing them to raise them again on appeal.
The judge said he would issue a written ruling on the motions later.
Kristi and Steve Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, attended the hearing. Afterward they said the details of the case show the death penalty is merited.
“You’ve got four victims, all in one house — that’s more than enough,” Steve Goncalves said.
Kristi Goncalves said she talked to the coroner and knows what happened to her daughter.
“If he did anything like he did to our daughter to the others, then he deserves to die,” she said.
Kohberger’s attorneys have said he was out for a drive the night of the killings, something he often did to look at the sky.
His trial is scheduled to begin next August and is expected to last up to three months. The Goncalves family said they have rented a home in Boise so they can attend.
REXBURG, Idaho — In 2030, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will commemorate the bicentennial of the organization of the Church. It will also commemorate the beginning of the Savior’s mortal ministry 2,000 years ago.
“This convergence will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” noted Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught in October 2024 general conference, “These events will result in extraordinary opportunities to serve, to unite with members and friends and to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to more people than ever before.”
To thousands of BYU–Idaho students gathered in the I–Center auditorium on Sunday, June 14, Elder Caussé issued a simple invitation: “Be prepared.”
To read the full story, visit TheChurchNews.com.
James “Jim” Franklin Arehart, 91, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away June 12, 2026, at Turtle and Crane Assisted Living Center.
Jim was born June 11, 1935, in Coltman, Idaho, to Joseph Howard Arehart and Lena Idoma Hunsaker. He married Afton Wilson on May 28, 1953, in Montana.
Jim worked for the City of Idaho Falls in the Streets and Sanitation Department, where he served as a foreman. He lived most of his adult life in Idaho Falls and Roberts, Idaho.
Jim enjoyed stock car racing, bronc riding, and boxing with the Pal Club. He was also a horse trainer and loved cutter and flat track racing. He loved, loved, loved hunting and spending time with his family. He coached baseball and enjoyed being involved in the lives of others through sports and community activities.
He is survived by his children: Roxie Anne Steele (Gordon) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Tony Jim Arehart (Kim) of Meridian, Idaho; Byron Todd Arehart (Scott) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Timothy Joe Arehart (Karlene) of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Afton Arehart, and 16 brothers and sisters.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Grant Central Cemetery, 154 N 3300 E, Rigby, Idaho. The family will meet with friends prior to the graveside from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West main Street, Rigby, Idaho.
IDAHO FALLS — Temperatures in the 80s and dry conditions are in store for east Idaho this week.
That’s the outlook from the National Weather Service in Pocatello. Meteorologist Dan Valle tells EastIdahoNews.com daytime temperatures will be in the 80s most of the week.
“There is a couple days where it’s warmer — we’ll probably hit 90 (degrees),” Valle says. “Those days will be Tuesday, and we’ll come close on Friday.”
No rain or thunderstorms are expected as of Sunday afternoon.
Valle says Monday is one of the rare occasions when there will be no wind, but it will pick up again on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the Pocatello area, wind speeds will approach advisory levels, with gusts between 35 and 45 mph.
“Down towards Burley, it could be a little stronger in the 40 to 50 mph range,” he says.
Breezy conditions will continue on Thursday and Friday.
For the latest weather conditions and a complete seven-day forecast in your community, click here.
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