Ethan Chapin’s family did not attend any of Bryan Kohberger’s court hearings following his arrest for the college student’s death.
“Sitting in the courtroom just doesn’t feel right,” Ethan’s mom, Stacy Chapin, said in Prime Video’s One Night in Idaho: The College Murders docuseries, which was released on July 11. “Why would I go sit in a courtroom with that person?”
She added, “We won’t attend any of the hearings. What’s the purpose?”
Kohberger was arrested in December 2022, a little over one month after he broke into the Moscow, Idaho, house at 1122 King Road and stabbed Chapin, his girlfriend, Xana Kernodle, and two of her roommates, Maddie Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, to death. Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary last month as part of a plea deal that took the possibility of the death penalty off the table. He will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.
Idaho Murder Victim Ethan Chapin’s Sister Shares Last Text He Sent Her
“I don’t have a need to go look him in the eyes. I don’t,” Stacy continued in the docuseries. “It is what it is. We cannot change the outcome on this thing. We cannot bring Ethan back.”
Stacy further discussed her decision to skip Kohberger’s sentencing hearing in an Instagram statement on Thursday, July 31. (Maddie, Kaylee and Xana’s families were all present at the July 23 hearing.)
“We’ve given a lot of thought to what we should say since 7/23 and have edited this a million times,” she wrote alongside a family photo. “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.”
She went on to thank “true heroes” who “worked tirelessly on this case,” naming the Moscow Police Department, the Idaho State Police and the FBI.
“The prosecutors who openly communicated with transparency, answered every call and email, and were fantastic throughout this process,” she added. “The University of Idaho staff who consistently supported our family, especially Maizie and Hunter, from their first day of orientation through graduation this past May.”
Ethan was a triplet. His brother and sister — Hunter and Maizie — also spoke out in the Prime Video docuseries.
Stacy also thanked their “incredible extended family” who have been by their side throughout this ordeal.
Who Were Bryan Kohberger’s Idaho Murder Victims?
“They’re our backbone, and we recognize how fortunate and privileged we are to have this ongoing support. All of the kids!! Close friends of the triplets, Greek family, and others who were part of this story from the very beginning,” she 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.”
Stacy concluded her social media statement with a message to her late son.
“Thank you, Ethan. You were only with us for 20 years, but you touched the lives of so many people,” she wrote. “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.”
Stacy added, “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.”
