COURT TV & News Nation: David Gelman Provides Legal Commentary on Bryan Kohberger
Bryan Kohberger, the confessed killer in the Idaho murders, was sentenced to life in prison on July 23, 2025. Founder of Gelman Law and former prosecutor, David Gelman, joined News Nation and a Court TV panel on the day of the sentencing to give his legal insights into the prosecution’s decision to take the death penalty off the table.
Kohberger Sentenced to Life in Prison
Kohberger was given four consecutive life sentences, without the possibility of parole, for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, as well as an additional 10 years for burglary. Kohberger had broken into the Idaho students’ residence and stabbed them in the early hours of November 13, 2022.
Kohberger’s silence on why he committed these murders has stunned the nation. Even President Donald Trump has called for more information. On Truth Social, the president wrote, “I hope the Judge makes Kohberger, at a minimum, explain why he did these horrible murders.”
While Gelman told Court TV host Julie Grant that he agrees with the sentiment, “there isn’t a mechanism in the legal system to have Bryan Kohberger say why he did it.” According to Gelman, all Kohberger was legally required to do was “admit to each and every element of the crime,” which he did. At the sentencing, Kohberger remained emotionless, declining to address the court or reveal the motive behind his crimes. “I’ve dealt with this as a prosecutor,” Gelman explained, “I’ve had murder cases where we just don’t know why these individuals did it.”
This dark reality adds salt in the wounds of the loved ones left with little closure. At the sentencing, loved ones of the victims provided heart-wrenching victim impact statements, with many of them aimed at how little they think of Kohberger. “Nobody cares about you, ” Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves, told Kohberger, “In time, you will be nothing but two initials, forgotten to the wind.”
The J.A.R. Theory
Without a motive, it’s hard to fully process why Kohberger, who did not appear to have any connection to the victims, committed these acts. However, Debbie Goodman, a fellow panelist and criminologist, offered a possible explanation in what she’s dubbed the J.A.R.Theory. “J is for jealousy,” she shared with Grant and her fellow panelists. “He was jealous of all four of the victims, individually and collectively.” The letter A stood for anger, with Goodman stating that Kohberger was angry because he was not succeeding in life, and R for revenge, because he took it out on others who seemed to possess the qualities or skillset he lacked.
Despite the national spotlight put on this case, limited information has been made to the public due to a gag order. However, this opinion may change now that the gag order has been lifted and new details, including any unsealing of documents, come to light. Per Gelman to News Nation, “We don’t know what’s in those documents, but it will probably shed some light about what happened on that particular night.”
Death Penalty Taken Off the Table
The prosecution’s offering Kohberger a plea deal that removed the death penalty from the table has been one of the more controversial decisions throughout the trial, especially considering how Kohberger had denied the charges against him up until a few short weeks ago.
For those outraged by the case, the decision seems unjust. But according to Gelman, it was the right call. “When it comes to a trial, you can think you have the strongest case possible, but you don’t know how 12 jurors are going to think,” he explained. “All it takes is one rogue juror.” With the possibility of a rogue juror causing the prosecution to lose or have a mistrial, Gelman asked, “Why would you even want to gamble with those odds?”
Kohberger is currently serving his life sentence inside the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, which is home to the most dangerous male offenders. “He’s going to be in a jail cell, a very small one, for 23 hours a day and shackled year-round,” Gelman said. At this time, it is believed that Kohberger will spend the rest of his life in solitary confinement.
Remembering the Victims
For as much media attention this case has brought on and centered around Kohberger, the most important thing is remembering and honoring the victims. In clips that aired on Court TV before the sentencing, families of the victims spoke about their loved ones.
According to Kaylee’s family, she was strong, hard-working, and sociable. Madison (Maddie) was described as funny, positive, and able to not only make others laugh but also light up every room she entered.
Xana, a talented gymnast, had dreams of working in marketing and was working hard toward her degree. Like the other victims, her family described her as someone who lit up their lives. Ethan’s loved ones noted his strong love for sports and how close he was with his family. His mother reminded everyone of the importance of time and how you need to make the most of it.
At Gelman Law, we remember Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, and their families.
You can watch the full Court TV segment here.
David Gelman is routinely sought after for his legal commentary, having been featured on FOX News, Court TV, and many other outlets. If you want to book a media appearance with David Gelman, please reach out to Sarah Boim at sarah@esquiredigital.com.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
