Grandmother of Bryan Kohberger victim encourages kindness in remembrance

(NewsNation) —The grandmother of Madison Mogen, one of four students murdered by Bryan Koheberger, said the family will celebrate her life every year on her birthday with acts of kindness. 

“We Mogens are choosing to put our energy and focus into honoring Maddie, too short life and sweet spirit by celebrating Maddie May Day, which my two daughters established on May 25 each year, Maddie's birthday,” Kim Cheeley, Mogen’s grandmother, said during an impact statement at Kohberger’s hearing Wednesday. 

“We encourage folks to do random acts of kindness in Maddie's name,” she said. “May we all protect our peace in whatever way possible. Unite in community and focus on joy.”

The statement comes on an emotional day where several victims’ families and friends spoke in court, with some addressing Kohberger directly. 

Kohberger brutally murdered Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus Idaho home in 2022.

Kohberger took a plea deal, agreeing to serve four life sentences for the slayings. He confessed to killing them in court, avoiding a trial where prosecutors intended to seek the death penalty.