Convicted Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger is refusing to pay additional victims’ compensation, brazenly arguing that public GoFundMe donations should excuse him from court-ordered restitution — a shocking legal maneuver that could set a dangerous precedent for future criminals seeking to dodge accountability.
Story Highlights
- Kohberger’s defense team objects to paying $27,329.64 in additional restitution, claiming GoFundMe donations already covered families’ expenses
- Public crowdfunding campaigns raised over $134,000 for two victims’ families to cover travel and court attendance costs
- The convicted murderer already owes over $300,000 in funeral costs, fines, and civil judgments but claims inability to pay due to life imprisonment
- Legal experts warn this case could undermine future victims’ rights and establish precedent allowing criminals to escape financial responsibility
Defense Team’s Audacious Legal Strategy
Kohberger’s attorneys filed a formal objection to the court-ordered restitution request, specifically targeting $27,329.64 meant to reimburse the Goncalves and Mogen families for travel and accommodation expenses during court proceedings. The defense argues that GoFundMe campaigns raised $85,583 for the Goncalves family and $48,815 for the Mogen family, earmarked for these exact expenses. Their position essentially claims that public generosity should absolve their client of legal financial obligations, a stance that undermines fundamental principles of criminal accountability.
The defense’s argument hinges on the claim that “neither family suffered an economic loss” due to the substantial donations received. This reasoning attempts to shift the burden of victim compensation from the perpetrator to the compassionate public, setting a troubling precedent that could encourage future criminals to rely on crowdfunding as a shield against court-ordered restitution.
Substantial Financial Obligations Already Outstanding
Court records reveal Kohberger already faces overwhelming financial obligations from his conviction. He was ordered to pay $28,956.88 for funeral expenses, $251,227.50 in criminal fines, and $20,000 civil judgments per family. These amounts, totaling over $300,000, demonstrate the court’s recognition of the extensive harm caused to the victims’ families. The additional $27,329.64 represents a relatively small portion of his total debt, making the defense’s aggressive opposition particularly notable.
The convicted murderer’s claim of inability to pay due to his life imprisonment raises questions about the practical enforcement of restitution orders. While serving four consecutive life sentences plus ten years for burglary, Kohberger has limited earning potential, yet this reality doesn’t typically excuse defendants from court-ordered financial obligations. Prison inmates can earn money through work programs, and restitution orders often remain enforceable indefinitely.
Dangerous Precedent for Victims’ Rights
Legal experts express concern that accepting the defense’s argument could fundamentally alter how courts handle victim compensation in high-profile cases. If public donations become grounds for reducing or eliminating restitution, it could inadvertently discourage community support for crime victims or create perverse incentives for defendants to rely on crowdfunding campaigns to escape financial responsibility. This approach threatens to undermine the principle that criminals must face consequences for their actions, regardless of third-party assistance to victims.
The case highlights an emerging legal gray area where traditional restitution frameworks meet modern crowdfunding realities. While the families indicated intentions to refund GoFundMe donations post-sentencing, it remains unclear whether such refunds occurred or were requested by donors. The court’s pending decision will likely establish important precedent for how future cases balance public generosity with criminal accountability, potentially affecting victims’ rights nationwide.
Sources:
Idaho Killer Bryan Kohberger Sparks Outrage Over Restitution – LA Magazine
Kohberger fights restitution, says victims’ families got donations – Court TV
