Not everyone was pleased, but the complexities of death penalty cases and the true crime conspiratorial world seen in the Karen Read case are two of many factors
That was a fast and thoughtful article. I hadn't really thought about the difference in his defense - sounds maybe a bit more ethical than what we saw in Karen Read. But those grifters, like TB, are probably devastated - they had a large number of conspiracy believers ready to move on to another case. I know the family is upset right now - but if they asked the O'Keefe's - they might be thankful for what just happened. Thank you for your insight.
Totally agree — the contrast between Kohberger’s defense and the Karen Read circus is stark. His attorney clearly prioritized resolution over spectacle, which is rare in high-profile cases.
In my latest essay, I actually wrote about how the media warped the Kohberger case from the beginning. His mental health issues were downplayed, and labels were used to demonize him. It wasn't about justice. It was about engagement.
Could you share a link to that essay? And I agree. Kohberger's attorney was a professional and she was dealing with something with much higher stakes than whether her client spent some time in prison. I've wondered whether if death was on the table, the Delphi circus would have not emerged.
I dug into how the media distorted his image from day one, especially by downplaying his mental health issues and framing him as a cold-blooded villain. Would value your thoughts if you give it a read.
Brilliantly said. It also saves the families having to listen to and see the horrific details of their children's deaths, and evidence pics from the trial being leaked online.
It spares the witnesses having to retell their trauma and being torn to shreds online by the likes of TB and ProKohBros.
I think this is a great outcome for everyone. Not BK though, he'd be better off dead, but this is the next best thing.
After following the Scott Peterson case in California and the pain that the family continues to experience with Peterson's ongoing attempts to avoid responsibility, I pray that the Idaho families will someday view this definitive end of the process as something good, even if it is painful now.
Is there an extra dose of common sense in the water in Alabama? If so, I hope it will soon be introduced nationwide! As usual, you do not dismiss the gut wrenching realities of crime and punishment, but use them to illustrate why we have a legal system designed to be impartial and above the passions of human actions.
Agree with this 100%. The Karen Read trial and verdict has made me really rethink what a jury will conclude, even with the most damning evidence. I think to avoid conspiracy, and any chance of an acquittal, this is the best outcome.
Incredibly well said. I can understand the families frustration, but I am glad that they will be spared the years long battle that would have happened if he had been convicted.
I hadn't heard that Turtleboy was all set to put his oar in. I'm grateful to all involved for sparing us—and especially the families—the next True Crime Circus.
I'm still unhappy with this plea agreement. I think a younger, more ambitious prosecutor would have taken it to trial. Thompson probably believes he did the prudent thing, but maybe he is just old and jaded by the system and doesn't have the drive or energy to see this thing through. I understand that the families are evenly split on this, but I think the distress felt by the families of Kaylee and Xana outweighs the distress that would have been experienced by the families of Maddie and Ethan. The families can choose to not be in court on really difficult days. The Conclaves and Kernodle families are left hanging in pain and outrage by this decision. That doesn't just magnify their pain; it's another devastating blow for them.
Regarding Ann Taylor's performance on this case, I wasn't impressed with some of the quack "experts" she put forth, but I guess when you're representing a guilty client, it's really hard to find solid experts whose opinions will support your case. I'm thinking of the cell tower guy who claimed he could prove Kohberger was elsewhere and the alleged profiler/reconstructionist who claimed there had to be more than one killer.
Understandable and a younger prosecutor might have pursued it but that might be from a lack of wisdom as much as energy. While how the families feel is important, delivering finality of justice is the prosecutor's job. To put the families opinions first would be the path to mob rule. It's a tough compromise.
What a great article, it touched on so many of the facets to the trial challenges. I do think the crackpot conspiracy trend is affecting the decision. On a side note, I do hope the Feds investigate the probability of jury tampering in the Read case. I hadn't seen the Turtleboy quote until this article, thanks for mentioning it. Speaks volumes.
I agree with your take, but I can't help wondering if there's more behind the state's decision to accept this deal. Maybe they know the leaks to Dateline will be traced back to someone on or connected to their team and fear it would hurt their case.
The family is understandably angry and grieving right now. I'm sure they feel robbed of their chance to face Kohberger in court and see him confronted with all the testimony and evidence against him. We all wanted to see that. The thing is, even if the trial had happened and ended in a conviction and death penalty, it wouldn't take away or alleviate their pain in the horrific murders of their children. Being in the fight is one way to deal with the pain. When the fight is over, you have to find another way.
On another note, I see people saying they want Kohberger to be compelled by the court to tell WHY he did it and why he chose Madison, Kaylee, Xana, and Ethan. There is no why except that Kohberger is evil. The people who have spent all their time and energy defending him online are evil as well.
One last note -- the murders were on November 13th not November 12th.
That very well could be a factor. If you go back to the earliest leaks in the case, like Howard Bloom's reporting, for whatever it might be worth, it was play-by-plays of the behaviors and thoughts of the police officers on the scene. Thanks for the date info.
That was a fast and thoughtful article. I hadn't really thought about the difference in his defense - sounds maybe a bit more ethical than what we saw in Karen Read. But those grifters, like TB, are probably devastated - they had a large number of conspiracy believers ready to move on to another case. I know the family is upset right now - but if they asked the O'Keefe's - they might be thankful for what just happened. Thank you for your insight.
Totally agree — the contrast between Kohberger’s defense and the Karen Read circus is stark. His attorney clearly prioritized resolution over spectacle, which is rare in high-profile cases.
In my latest essay, I actually wrote about how the media warped the Kohberger case from the beginning. His mental health issues were downplayed, and labels were used to demonize him. It wasn't about justice. It was about engagement.
Could you share a link to that essay? And I agree. Kohberger's attorney was a professional and she was dealing with something with much higher stakes than whether her client spent some time in prison. I've wondered whether if death was on the table, the Delphi circus would have not emerged.
Sure. Here's the link: https://www.davidmaren.com/p/were-being-conditioned-to-hate.
I dug into how the media distorted his image from day one, especially by downplaying his mental health issues and framing him as a cold-blooded villain. Would value your thoughts if you give it a read.
Brilliantly said. It also saves the families having to listen to and see the horrific details of their children's deaths, and evidence pics from the trial being leaked online.
It spares the witnesses having to retell their trauma and being torn to shreds online by the likes of TB and ProKohBros.
I think this is a great outcome for everyone. Not BK though, he'd be better off dead, but this is the next best thing.
I agree - I do hope the families can find peace with this. The trial would have been gruelling, potentially for the same result.
Thank you for this thoughtful analysis.
After following the Scott Peterson case in California and the pain that the family continues to experience with Peterson's ongoing attempts to avoid responsibility, I pray that the Idaho families will someday view this definitive end of the process as something good, even if it is painful now.
Is there an extra dose of common sense in the water in Alabama? If so, I hope it will soon be introduced nationwide! As usual, you do not dismiss the gut wrenching realities of crime and punishment, but use them to illustrate why we have a legal system designed to be impartial and above the passions of human actions.
Agree with this 100%. The Karen Read trial and verdict has made me really rethink what a jury will conclude, even with the most damning evidence. I think to avoid conspiracy, and any chance of an acquittal, this is the best outcome.
Brilliant analysis, of course, darling prosecutors
Incredibly well said. I can understand the families frustration, but I am glad that they will be spared the years long battle that would have happened if he had been convicted.
I hadn't heard that Turtleboy was all set to put his oar in. I'm grateful to all involved for sparing us—and especially the families—the next True Crime Circus.
That last sentence at the end gave me chills.
Thank you, we so often get lost in our emotions but you two have a way of helping bring balance back.
I'm still unhappy with this plea agreement. I think a younger, more ambitious prosecutor would have taken it to trial. Thompson probably believes he did the prudent thing, but maybe he is just old and jaded by the system and doesn't have the drive or energy to see this thing through. I understand that the families are evenly split on this, but I think the distress felt by the families of Kaylee and Xana outweighs the distress that would have been experienced by the families of Maddie and Ethan. The families can choose to not be in court on really difficult days. The Conclaves and Kernodle families are left hanging in pain and outrage by this decision. That doesn't just magnify their pain; it's another devastating blow for them.
Regarding Ann Taylor's performance on this case, I wasn't impressed with some of the quack "experts" she put forth, but I guess when you're representing a guilty client, it's really hard to find solid experts whose opinions will support your case. I'm thinking of the cell tower guy who claimed he could prove Kohberger was elsewhere and the alleged profiler/reconstructionist who claimed there had to be more than one killer.
Understandable and a younger prosecutor might have pursued it but that might be from a lack of wisdom as much as energy. While how the families feel is important, delivering finality of justice is the prosecutor's job. To put the families opinions first would be the path to mob rule. It's a tough compromise.
What a great article, it touched on so many of the facets to the trial challenges. I do think the crackpot conspiracy trend is affecting the decision. On a side note, I do hope the Feds investigate the probability of jury tampering in the Read case. I hadn't seen the Turtleboy quote until this article, thanks for mentioning it. Speaks volumes.
I agree with your take, but I can't help wondering if there's more behind the state's decision to accept this deal. Maybe they know the leaks to Dateline will be traced back to someone on or connected to their team and fear it would hurt their case.
The family is understandably angry and grieving right now. I'm sure they feel robbed of their chance to face Kohberger in court and see him confronted with all the testimony and evidence against him. We all wanted to see that. The thing is, even if the trial had happened and ended in a conviction and death penalty, it wouldn't take away or alleviate their pain in the horrific murders of their children. Being in the fight is one way to deal with the pain. When the fight is over, you have to find another way.
On another note, I see people saying they want Kohberger to be compelled by the court to tell WHY he did it and why he chose Madison, Kaylee, Xana, and Ethan. There is no why except that Kohberger is evil. The people who have spent all their time and energy defending him online are evil as well.
One last note -- the murders were on November 13th not November 12th.
That very well could be a factor. If you go back to the earliest leaks in the case, like Howard Bloom's reporting, for whatever it might be worth, it was play-by-plays of the behaviors and thoughts of the police officers on the scene. Thanks for the date info.
Will he be required to articulate the details of his crime to the court’s satisfaction?
It is common but it will depend on the terms of the plea deal. Dennis Radar (BTK) is an example of where it did happen.
This is a mych needed common sense post! Thank you and I agree! You guys are the best!