Murder Suspect Of Idaho Student To Face Firing Squad If Convicted

If Bryan Kohberger, the accused Idaho murderer, is found guilty of the 2022 murders of four college students, he might be executed by firing squad.

The 28-year-old criminal justice major, who is still the only suspect in the November 13 killings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, is thought to be preparing for the potential of a death penalty trial.

Given the seriousness of Kohberger’s alleged offenses, it appears likely that the prosecution will seek the death penalty for him. But, they have not yet made their intentions clear.

 Republican state lawmaker, Rep. Bruce Skaug has introduced a bill that would once again allow for execution by firing squad in the state, as well as lethal injection. 

Skaug’s bill states that the Idaho Department of Corrections must determine whether execution by lethal injection is an available method no later than five days after a death warrant is issued.

If the method is not available, the IDOC may elect to use a firing squad.

The bill does not specify how many or what type of firearms should be used in the execution, only saying the director of the IDOC would determine the procedures used in the execution.

Skaug said he believed the option is more humane than lethal injection, with recent instances of the shot resulting in agonizing pain for doomed inmates.

He also pointed out to the Idaho Capital Sun, other states like Utah have brought back the use of a firing squad in recent years due to their inability to get the lethal injection chemicals. 

A public hearing on the bill will now be held in the Idaho House Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee, which Skaug chairs.