The man accused of killing four college students in Moscow, Idaho, will face the death penalty, according to the prosecution.
The students were stabbed to death in an off-campus home in November, and Bryan Kohberger, 28, is accused of their murder on four counts, each of the first degree.
After a six-week manhunt, he was apprehended.
Last May, after he elected to "stand silent" in court, the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Prosecutors stated in a new court filing on Monday that they were "compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty" in light of "all evidence currently known to the State" and "all evidence currently known to the State's knowledge.".
On November 13, three people—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Xana Kernodle, all 20 years old—as well as Ethan Chapin, 20, and both of them were killed in an off-campus apartment.
Days before Thanksgiving in 2022, the nation was shocked by the gruesome murder of the four college students.
The family of Goncalves expressed their "gratitude" that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this case.
In a statement, the family said, "We continue to pray for all the victim families and appreciate all the support we have received.".
Mr. Kohberger was being pursued a PhD in criminology at Washington State University, which is eight miles away from Moscow and situated on the Idaho/Washington border.
According to investigators, the murderer left DNA on a "leather knife sheath" discovered at the crime scene.
Police searched Mr. Kohberger's home in January, according to previously sealed court documents, and found a knife, a Glock pistol, black gloves, a black hat, and a black face mask.
Documents also reveal that Mr. Kohberger's occasional driver, police seized and later dismantled a white 2015 Hyundai Elantra.
When asked to enter a plea in court earlier this year, Mr. Kohberger declined. In these situations, the judge enters a not guilty plea on behalf of the defendant.
On October 2, he will stand trial.
