It’s been a difficult week for the family of Kaylee Goncalves and those of the other slain University of Idaho students. Bryan Christopher Kohberger officially accepted a plea deal that will put him in prison for life for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Maddie Mogen, and Ethan Chapin, but in exchange, he will not face the death penalty.
Amid their grief, the Goncalves family is now working to refund more than $85,000 in GoFundMe donations. Brooke Miller raised the money on behalf of Kristi Goncalves to support the family during Kohberger’s trial. But because there will never be a trial, the family wants to return the funds.
Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, told TMZ that the family has to handle the returns personally because GoFundMe has already disbursed the money. But he vowed not to “bait and switch these beautiful people like [lead prosecutor] Bill Thompson did to our family.”
The family shared an update on Facebook on July 3, 2025, after returning home from a meeting with prosecutors. The Goncalves family hoped Kohberger would live the rest of his life on Death Row, but their wishes did not come true.
“Many people are talking about our Gofundme and returning everyone’s money. I understand this is a priority for many people. Please give me time to figure out the best way to do this. I can’t just ask gofundme to reimburse everyone, as the money has already been deposited into my bank account, and is no longer held by gofundme,” the family explained. “Steve and I need a few days alone to process what has just happened. It is so hard to describe what we are going through right now. It is VERY mentally and emotionally exhausting. My whole body aches, from my fingertips to my toes. Please give us some grace, I promise we won’t skip town.”
Many people following the family’s story shared sympathy for their unbearable loss and have voiced opinions about the GoFundMe, saying the Goncalves family should keep the money.
“I would like to suggest that people not ask for their money back and that as a family, you can go and spend some time together at a special place that you all choose. I pray that as you process this grief and anger, you can put the anger aside and spend time together honoring your beautiful daughter,” one person wrote. “I believe she would want you to live in peace and spend each day as best you can moving forward with her.”
“Gift is a gift. Use some of it for all the therapy you will all need to process all these emotions, feelings and grief,” another person agreed. “I was glad to donate and would never expect a penny back.”
Many want the Goncalves family to know they stand by them and their feelings during this extremely difficult time.
“You’re allowed to grieve and feel whatever emotions you please. No one can tell you how to do that,” a comment reads. “Kaylee deserved better and the justice system failed her. Prayers to you and your family for the rest of your lives as you will always carry this with you.”
Bryan Kohberger will not be permitted to appeal the plea decision.
