Idaho families file wrongful death lawsuit against Washington State University

Families of four University of Idaho students filed a wrongful death lawsuit Jan. 7 in Skagit County Superior Court, alleging Washington State University ignored repeated warnings about Bryan Kohberger; WSU has not yet filed a response.

Families of four University of Idaho students have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Washington State University, saying the school ignored repeated warnings about a former teaching assistant. The complaint was filed Jan. 7 in Skagit County Superior Court. Plaintiffs include the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. The suit accuses WSU of gross negligence, wrongful death and violations of federal education laws, including Title IX. Known details: - The complaint was filed Jan. 7 in Skagit County Superior Court by the four families. - It alleges WSU received at least 13 formal reports in fall 2022 about Bryan Kohberger involving threatening, stalking or harassing behavior toward students and staff and did not meaningfully investigate or remove him from campus. - The suit accuses the university of gross negligence, wrongful death and violations of federal education laws, and seeks unspecified monetary damages. - Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty in July 2025 to four counts of first‑degree murder and burglary and was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole. - Washington State University has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit. Summary: The families are pursuing a civil claim that asks a court and potentially a jury to examine whether the university's actions contributed to the deaths and to determine liability and damages. WSU has not yet responded to the complaint. Future court dates or other procedural steps are undetermined at this time.