Nancy Grace is not persuaded by Bryan Kohberger’s latest effort to undo his guilty plea. The legal commentator also believes his request for a trial could reopen the door to the punishment his plea deal removed.
Nancy Grace argues Bryan Kohberger could still face the death penalty
According to Ok Magazine, during a July 28 appearance on the Fox News program “Hannity,” Grace dismissed Kohberger’s attempt to withdraw his plea. Speaking with Sean Hannity, she said, “Bring it on,” before arguing, “If there was ever a death penalty case, it’s Bryan Kohberger.”
Grace pointed to Kohberger’s DNA on a knife sheath found at the crime scene and his admissions during the 2025 plea hearing. She argued that prosecutors should pursue capital punishment if a court allows him to reopen the case.
Kohberger is serving four consecutive life sentences without parole for murdering University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in 2022. He also received a consecutive 10-year burglary sentence. His plea agreement removed the death penalty from consideration.
In a handwritten prison petition, Kohberger claimed his lawyers pressured him into accepting the agreement. He alleged that they made false promises about prison conditions, frightened him about death row, and failed to investigate potentially helpful evidence.
Those claims conflict with what Kohberger told the judge when he pleaded guilty. He said he acted voluntarily, denied that anyone coerced him, and confirmed that he was pleading guilty because he was guilty.
The Associated Press reported that Idaho law requires Kohberger to show “manifest injustice” before a court can withdraw a guilty plea after sentencing. A judge has not granted his request, so his convictions and life sentences remain in effect.
Grace’s comments describe what she believes prosecutors should seek only if Kohberger succeeds in setting aside the plea deal. They do not reflect his current punishment or a new ruling.
Her response continues a career centered on violent crime and victims. Grace has explained how her fiancé’s murder shaped her path and defended Savannah Guthrie while covering her mother’s disappearance.
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