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The parents of slain University of Idaho student Ethan Chapin say they’ve found “big-time closure” in their son’s death — despite his killer, Bryan Kohberger, being offered a controversial plea deal.
“I really don’t care what happens to the guy .. He’s off the streets. He can’t hurt any more kids,” Jim Chapin said alongside his wife, Stacey Chapin, in an interview Monday morning on “TODAY.”
The couple said the plea agreement sparing Kohberger of the death penalty will save their surviving children, Maisie and Hunter, born alongside Ethan as triplets, from potentially having to testify at trial and relay their brother’s traumatizing death.
The moment Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Chapin, his girlfriend Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, the family finally found their “big-time closure,” the parents said.
“I mean, it was just like you expected some, I don’t know, remorse, emotion, something. And there was zero,” Stacey Chapin said of Kohberger’s demeanor when she first saw him in person.
“If I could physically do a handstand, I’d probably do one, because I am so ready,” Jim Chapin said. “I’m ready for my kids to move on. I’m ready for us to move on. I mean, it’s been almost 2½ years, and it’s, just, it’s over.”
The family does not plan to attend Kohberger’s July 23rd sentencing.
English (US)