Families of the Idaho Four File Suit for $100M

Photo via Idaho 4 - University of Idaho murders - case discussion NO DRAMA FB page.

The families of the four University of Idaho students who were murdered in November 2022 have filed a Washington State Tort Claim giving notice of their intentions to claim damages from the state of Washington for the sum of $100M each.

In July 2025, Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger was a doctoral criminal justice student and employee at nearby Washington State University.

The victims were housemates, along with Kernodle’s boyfriend, living off campus. The brutal murders in the rural town garnered national media attention almost immediately. The age of the victims and the fact that two other housemates and a dog were home at the time of murders and unharmed was shocking.

The Idaho State Police and the FBI assisted the Moscow Police Department. The perpetrator left a leather knife sheath at the crime scene. Law enforcement used genetic genealogy to match DNA from the sheath to Kohberger.

The victims allege that WSU brought Bryan Kohberger to the Pullman-Moscow community where it employed, housed, and paid Kohberger. Almost immediately, Kohberger began making students, faculty, and staff uncomfortable and engaged in behavior that was threatening and predatory and that amounted to sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, and stalking. Many WSU employees – who are mandatory reporters – were aware of Kohberger’s predatory behavior. WSU received more than a dozen formal complaints about Kohberger’s inappropriate behavior that was occurring both in and out of the classroom. Despite having significant control over Kohberger, WSU failed to appropriately act in response to his behavior and the clear and present threat that he posed.

In the state of Washington, a third party, such as Washington State University, can be civilly liable for a death caused by one of their employees. At the time of the murders, Bryan Kohberger was a “Teaching Assistant.” Even if an act (in this case murder) falls outside the scope of employment, the University can be held liable for their own negligence in hiring, supervising, or retaining the employee. A formal complaint has not yet been filed with the court, so the details of the allegations are not yet known. However, the shocking impact of the murders on the victims and the community is visible to everyone.

The emotional impact on survivors who wrongfully lost a loved one is devastating. Calculating a monetary value on this type of pain is nearly impossible. Wrongful death lawsuits have been used to promote a positive change. They can lead to greater corporate and government accountability, better safety protocols, and new legislation. We all hope that this lawsuit will also lead to a positive change to the nation’s universities and provide greater protection for the young men and women who place their trust in these institutions.