Washington State University (WSU) has formally responded to a lawsuit alleging the institution’s negligence in relation to the actions of Bryan Kohberger, who was convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students. Kohberger, a former graduate student and teaching assistant at WSU’s Criminal Justice and Criminology Department, pleaded guilty to the killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. He received a sentence of four consecutive life terms plus 10 years for the crimes committed at an off-campus residence.
The families of the victims filed a lawsuit in January, asserting that WSU ignored multiple warning signs about Kohberger’s behavior before the murders occurred and failed to intervene to protect the community. Court documents previously revealed that several female students had reported concerns about Kohberger’s conduct in the months leading to the crimes. During a faculty meeting, a professor reportedly warned about Kohberger’s pattern of “harassing, stalking and sexually abusing” students, recommending the cessation of his funding and removal from the program.
According to the lawsuit, there were at least 13 formal complaints submitted to WSU’s Office of Compliance and Civil Rights regarding Kohberger’s inappropriate and threatening behavior. The plaintiffs argue that despite these reports, WSU did not take sufficient action to address the risks posed by Kohberger’s conduct. The university response acknowledges Kohberger’s employment within the department but denies any legal responsibility.
WSU’s filing states that the actions taken by staff were reasonable exercises of their judgment within their governmental authority and are neither negligent nor subject to legal action. The university further contends that any harm resulting from Kohberger’s actions is attributable solely to him, noting he is not a party to the lawsuit.
This lawsuit forms part of ongoing proceedings following the high-profile case, which brought considerable attention to campus safety and institutional accountability. Kohberger remains incarcerated following his conviction for the November 2022 murders. WSU continues to defend its position through legal channels while the litigation proceeds.
