Kaylee Goncalves’ family is returning over \$85,000 raised on GoFundMe intended to support trial expenses after a plea deal spared her accused killer a trial and death penalty, expressing deep frustration and heartbreak while seeking to honor her memory with integrity.

The family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students tragically murdered in 2022, has announced plans to return more than \$85,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign intended to support them during the anticipated murder trial of Bryan Kohberger.

This decision follows the shock and anger over a plea deal reached in late June 2025, in which Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, effectively bypassing the scheduled August trial and avoiding a potential death penalty sentence.

Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves, expressed deep frustration with the plea agreement, which he believes denies justice to his daughter and the other victims — Xana Kernodle, Maddie Mogen, and Ethan Chapin.

In an interview with TMZ, Steve emphasized his determination not to “bait and switch these beautiful people,” referring to the donors who supported the family through the GoFundMe campaign created to cover expenses during what was expected to be a lengthy trial process.

The plea deal, negotiated with Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson and the prosecution team, spared Kohberger, a 30-year-old former Washington State University PhD student, a courtroom battle and the possibility of a death sentence.

Instead, he accepted life imprisonment without parole.

The Goncalves family publicly voiced their displeasure over the arrangement in a heartfelt Facebook post dated July 3, revealing their pain and disappointment that the killer received “mercy” that was never extended to Kaylee.

“BK literally is too afraid to die, but he wasn’t afraid to kill,” the family wrote, using Kohberger’s initials.

“BK wanted a plea deal and he was given one. Kaylee wasn’t offered a plea deal. The state is showing BK mercy by removing the death penalty. BK did not show Kaylee ANY mercy.”

They further clarified their perspective on life imprisonment versus the death penalty, explaining that although many view a life sentence without parole as a “win” since Kohberger will never be released, the family felt that life on death row would have been a more fitting punishment.

“His life on DEATH ROW while serving his time would have been much worse than serving his time as life in prison. He doesn’t deserve life in prison. He deserved life on death row.”

The emotional toll on the family was evident in their statement as they asked for privacy and understanding while figuring out how to handle the GoFundMe funds.

The money had already been withdrawn from the platform and deposited into their bank account, complicating the process of returning donations. “Please give me time to figure out the best way to do this,” the family asked.

“I can’t just ask GoFundMe to reimburse everyone, as the money has already been deposited into my bank account, and is no longer held by GoFundMe.”

They acknowledged the importance of this issue to many supporters but stressed the need to take a few days to process the devastating news.

“It is so hard to describe what we are going through right now. It is VERY mentally and emotionally exhausting. My whole body aches, from my fingertips to my toes. Please give us some grace, I promise we won’t skip town.”

The background of the case is grim and detailed. On November 13, 2022, Kohberger allegedly broke into the off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho, through a sliding glass door on the second floor, according to Prosecutor Thompson’s account at the plea hearing.

He reportedly passed the bedroom of a surviving roommate before ascending to the third floor where he murdered Maddie Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.

On his way back downstairs, he stabbed Xana Kernodle and her sleeping boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, before fleeing the scene.

A knife sheath containing trace amounts of Kohberger’s DNA was discovered in Mogen’s bedroom, a critical piece of evidence that led to his arrest and eventual guilty plea.

The murders shocked the tight-knit university community and sparked widespread grief and fear. The victims—Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Maddie Mogen, and Ethan Chapin—were beloved students whose lives were cut tragically short.

The case brought intense media coverage and public attention, with many following the legal proceedings closely in hopes of seeing justice served.

As the family prepares to return the GoFundMe donations, their actions have highlighted the complex emotions surrounding the plea deal and the quest for closure. While the legal chapter may be nearing its conclusion, the emotional wounds remain raw.

The Goncalves family’s decision reflects a profound sense of integrity and a desire to honor their daughter’s memory without financial distraction or controversy.

The plea agreement, while sparing the victims’ families from a potentially traumatic trial, has also left many grappling with the meaning of justice and mercy in cases of such profound tragedy.

For Kaylee’s family, the path forward involves healing, remembrance, and ensuring that the community never forgets the lives lost that fateful night.

As the story continues to unfold, the conversation around accountability, the legal system, and the impact of violent crime on families and communities remains urgent and deeply felt.

Kaylee Goncalves’ family, through their candid statements and difficult decisions, has brought a human face to these ongoing discussions, reminding us all of the personal cost behind the headlines.