Victims' family says Bryan Kohberger used another weapon during slayings

(NewsNation) — The father of Kaylee Goncalves, one of four students murdered by Bryan Kohberger, said the killer used a weapon other than a knife during the 2022 slayings. 

The family spoke at a news conference minutes after Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences by Judge Steven Hippler.  

“We do know that another weapon” was used, Kaylee’s father Steve Goncalves said. 

“She was stabbed over 30 times, and she was struck and there was quite a bit of damage to her face, so this guy is just an absolute monster,” he added. 

NewsNation's Brian Entin asked Moscow police officials about a second weapon Wednesday. They stated they believe the Ka-Bar knife was the only weapon used in the murders.

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

He 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.

The Goncalves family has criticized the deal, calling it hurried and secretive.

Goncalves’ father, Steve Goncalves, said the family feels they were “used” by government attorneys as prosecutors compiled a mountain of evidence. 

Goncalves also added that he would have preferred the option of a trial and a potential death sentence for Kohberger.

The former criminology student sat expressionless as several family and friends of the four young victims made emotional impact statements in court. 

Several members of the Goncalves family spoke directly to Kohberger, calling him “pathetic,” “evil” and “nothing.”