Moscow, ID (83843) – Surprising Support: Parents of Ethan Chapin Back Kohberger Plea Deal in Idaho Quadruple Murder Case – LIVE REACTION

Moscow, ID (83843) – In a stunning twist in the high-profile University of Idaho murder case, the parents of Ethan Chapin—a 20-year-old student killed in the 2022 quadruple stabbing in Moscow, Idaho—have publicly voiced support for a plea deal for accused killer Bryan Kohberger. The statement, which caught many by surprise, was issued this week as prosecutors weigh whether to pursue the death penalty against Kohberger, who has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

Ethan’s mother, Stacy Chapin, told reporters: “I wanted to do a handstand. I felt relief, not revenge.” The family, still grieving but determined to move forward, expressed a deep desire to avoid a drawn-out death penalty trial that could keep the emotional wounds open for years. “We want this chapter closed with dignity, not decades of legal back-and-forth,” Stacy added.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Ethan Chapin’s parents support possible plea deal for Bryan Kohberger

• IMPACT: Could avoid lengthy trial; victims’ families split on death penalty

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “I wanted to do a handstand” – Stacy Chapin, mother of Ethan

• ACTION: Prosecutors expected to decide on plea offer or death penalty this fall

Kohberger, a former Ph.D. student in criminology at Washington State University, is accused of breaking into a rental home on King Road and brutally killing four students—including Ethan Chapin—on the night of November 13, 2022. His trial, originally set for fall 2024, could be delayed further if prosecutors seek capital punishment.

Now, with the Chapin family’s unexpected endorsement of a potential plea deal—presumably life in prison without parole—momentum may shift in the courtroom and public opinion alike. For many, their words signal a shift toward healing over retribution, even in one of the nation’s most chilling college-town tragedies in recent memory.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Moscow, ID (83843) – King Road home near University of Idaho campus

2. Community Connection:
   “Closure isn’t justice—it’s peace. And we all need peace right now.”
   (Attribution: – Jonah Reed, UI student and local coffee shop barista)

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  As Kohberger’s legal team hints at possible plea negotiations, the Chapins’ emotional shift underscores the growing fatigue families feel in high-profile capital cases. Idaho has not executed anyone since 2012, and death penalty appeals can stretch for decades. Ethan’s parents say they don’t want his memory trapped in “a courtroom saga.”

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » Idaho Crime Victims Resource Center: (208) 331-5111 – idahocvrc.org
  » Grief Support Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “Families are encouraged to seek support before, during, and after trial proceedings.”
  (Attribution: – Dr. Leah Jensen, Clinical Director, Idaho Victim Services)

Update Log

• 10:00 AM: Chapin family confirms support for plea deal in national interview

• 11:30 AM: Defense attorney for Kohberger hints at “resolution without trial”

• 2:45 PM: Victims’ advocacy groups issue joint statement urging trauma-informed resolution

• 5:00 PM: Next status hearing scheduled for September 3 in Latah County Court