The family of Idaho murder victim Ethan Chapin has spoken out after skipping the sentencing of his killer, Bryan Kohberger.
Posting via Instagram on Thursday, July 31, Ethan’s mom, Stacy Chapin, shared a lengthy statement alongside a carousel of family photos that featured her late son.
Ethan, 20, was among the four college students murdered by Kohberger, 30, in November 2022. Maddie Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, also lost their lives in a home in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for the crimes during a sentencing hearing that took place on July 23.
“We’ve given a lot of thought to what we should say since 7/23 and have edited this a million times. The entire situation has been a tough pill to swallow but at the end of the day, we believe the outcome is the right one,” Stacy, who did not go to court for the sentencing, wrote via the Instagram post’s caption.
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Stacy thanked the Moscow Police Department, Idaho State Police, FBI, prosecutors, University of Idaho staff, media and her “incredible” extended family, friends and community for their contributions and support throughout the difficult time.
She also thanked “All of the kids!! Close friends of the triplets, Greek family, and others who were part of this story from the very beginning,” referencing triplet Ethan’s siblings, Hunter and Maizie.
Stacy continued, “Although each of their experiences is different, all have suffered severe loss and trauma. We continue to be in awe of their strength, and will continue to support them in any way we can.”
Concluding the post, Stacy paid an emotional tribute to her late son and promised to honor him after his death.
“Finally, thank you, Ethan. You were only with us for 20 years, but you touched the lives of so many people. From the time you were a baby to when we dropped you off at college, you were an absolute joy and the glue that held our family together,” she wrote. “We remember your smile, your laugh, how you kept us in check, and the many ways you brought happiness and light to any situation. There will never be another you. There would never have been enough time with you. We love you, miss you, and promise to continue honoring your legacy.”
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The night Ethan died, he had attended a formal with his sister Maizie before heading to 1122 King Road, where his girlfriend, Kernodle, lived.
While Ethan was sleeping, Kohberger broke in and first stabbed roommates Mogen and Goncalves to death. Kernodle encountered Kohberger in the home after the initial murders, and after a struggle, she too was killed. Ethan was the last one to lose his life and was later found in bed after being fatally stabbed.
In the four-part docuseries One Night in Idaho: The College Murders, which was released earlier this month, Stacy shared why their family did not plan to attend Kohberger’s sentencing like the families of the other victims.
“Sitting in the courtroom just doesn’t feel right. Why would I go sit in a courtroom with that person?” Stacy said. “We won’t attend any of the hearings. What’s the purpose?”
