The family of Kaylee Goncalves, who tragically lost her life in Idaho, is advocating for the alleged murderer Bryan Kohberger to face the death penalty through a firing squad, CrimeSpace has learned.
Kohberger was indicted by a grand jury in May and has pleaded not guilty to the killings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee in November 2022.
Expressing their stance on Idaho House Bill 186, which allows execution by firing squad under specific conditions, Kaylee’s mother Kristi Goncalves shared a post on a dedicated Facebook page.
The bill amends existing legislation to include execution by firing squad and establishes certain prerequisites before execution can take place.
The post featured images of two individuals wearing “#JusticeForKaylee” shirts, underscoring the family’s determination for justice.
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed the bill into law in March, making the firing squad an alternative method of execution when lethal injection is not feasible. Idaho now joins five other states in authorizing execution by firing squad.
Governor Little expressed his support for policies that facilitate the state’s ability to carry out lawful executions, citing the families’ rightful demand for justice and closure for their loved ones.
Last year, Little signed House Bill 658, extending protections for suppliers and manufacturers of lethal injection drugs in the state.
The families of both Kaylee and Madison recently filed notices signaling their support for the death penalty.
Kaylee and Madison, lifelong best friends and University of Idaho students, were brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus home, which they shared with Xana. Ethan, Xana’s boyfriend, was present during the murders, while two other roommates survived the shocking incident in Moscow, Idaho.
“We spoke with the prosecutor on the case, Mr. Thompson. He’s going to meet with all the families individually, and then make a decision based on that. So, the Goncalves family obviously supports the death penalty in this case,” Shanon Gray, the Goncalves family attorney, told NewsNation.
Shanon Gray, the Goncalves family attorney, confirmed their unwavering support for the death penalty in this case, expressing their pursuit of justice for their daughter, Maddie, Xana, and Ethan.
Gray emphasized that the tort claims notice filed is a standard procedure to protect the families, victims, and the entire community. The families are also exploring legal action against the city of Moscow, Idaho, where the killings occurred.
Filings from the Goncalves and Mogen families indicate potential lawsuits against the city for damages. These claims safeguard their rights to file a lawsuit within the next two years, as per documents obtained by ABC News.
Gray clarified that the tort claims notice serves as a protective measure, ensuring accountability in case of any wrongdoing or negligence.
Similar claims have been filed against Washington State University, the University of Idaho, and Idaho State Police, all aimed at safeguarding the interests of the families and the victims in their pursuit of justice.
