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Idaho murders: Here's why Bryan Kohberger could face firing squad if convicted

The update comes after it was revealed that Bryan Kohberger had pictures of one of the female victims on his phone

This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently.

MOSCOW, IDAHO: Bryan Kohberger, the criminology student charged with the murders of four University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, could face a firing squad if convicted of the horrific quadruple murders. The update comes after it was revealed that the suspect had pictures of one of the female victims on his phone, as previously reported.

According to DailyMail, lawyers are believed to be preparing for the possibility of a death penalty trial. While prosecutors have not indicated whether they plan to pursue the death penalty against Kohberger if he is convicted, it is certainly possible considering the heinous crime. At present, Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder and one count of felony burglary.

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Why is Idaho considering firing squad executions?

Lethal injection is the only form of legal execution in Idaho. However, GOP state lawmaker Rep Bruce Skaug, chairman of the state House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, last week introduced a bill that would bring back the firing squad as a legal form of execution in Idaho, states New York Post.

The firing squad option was legal in Idaho since 1982 but was removed in 2009. And during that time, there was only one execution of Keith Eugene Wells, who was executed by lethal injection in 1994, as per Idaho Capital Sun. Eight people, including Gerald Pizzuto Jr, await execution on Idaho’s death row.

The introduction of the bill by Skaug comes after the Idaho Department of Correction had to cancel the scheduled execution of Pizzuto Jr in November 2022. Skaug said that the state canceled the planned execution after Idaho Department of Correction officials said they were unable to get the chemicals needed for lethal injection, reports KSL TV. Under the new bill, firing squads would be used when lethal injection is not available. Skaug explained, as quoted by Newsweek, "The way it stands now, they may never get those materials for the lethal injections. This is a rule of law issue: Our criminal system should work and our penalty should be exacted."

'Much deserved'

Following the update on the case, many were quick to react. One said, "Outstanding. If convicted." Another applauded by saying, "Much deserved." One more wrote, "Sounds good to me. Let’s get it going."

While one of a few reacted and said, "Let’s move forward and not backwards America. We have modern ways to handle him. It’s 2023 not 1883." Another individual suggested, "I do think the death penalty is an easy way out... I think he should stay in prison & let him out with the worst of the worst with no protection."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.