Youngest Sister of Kaylee Goncalves Speaks Out on Tragic Loss

The youngest sister of Kaylee Goncalves is speaking publicly for the first time about her sibling’s tragic death. This follows a court petition by the man who admitted to killing Kaylee and three other University of Idaho students. He seeks to retract his guilty plea and seek a trial.

Aubrie Goncalves Breaks Silence

Aubrie Goncalves, 20, appeared on TODAY on August 4 to discuss her reasons for breaking her silence nearly four years after her 21-year-old sister’s murder. Kaylee was killed in an off-campus house along with three others: Xana Kernodle, 20, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21. Aubrie refers to all of them as family.

“When everything happened, I was a sophomore in high school,” Aubrie said. “I was only 16 years old. At the time, I felt no words could bring back my sisters, so I chose not to speak out.”

Now, nearly four years later, Aubrie hopes to preserve their memories. “No words will bring them back, but speaking keeps their memories alive,” she explained. “I usually don’t put myself in these situations, but I need to keep Maddie and Kaylee’s names alive.”

Legal Developments

Kaylee was one of four students found stabbed to death in November 2022. Aubrie released a Facebook statement on July 27, the day Bryan Kohberger filed for post-conviction relief in Ada County District Court, Idaho. Kohberger wants to withdraw his guilty plea and face trial.

In 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing the four students. He waived his right to appeal or trial in exchange for avoiding a possible death sentence. He received four life sentences. Upon hearing of Kohberger’s petition, Aubrie voiced her deep discontent.

“I wasn’t planning on speaking today, but I cannot remain silent while the man who confessed to killing them seeks to withdraw his guilty plea,” she wrote. “To him, it’s a legal filing. To me, it’s another day without my sister.”

Life After Loss

Kohberger’s petition came just before the Netflix release of “The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare,” a documentary series in which the Goncalves family participated. Aubrie questioned why Kohberger should have a voice after silencing their loved ones.

“This isn’t a Netflix documentary or a conspiracy theory. This is my life. These were real people. Each time the case re-emerges due to filings or theories, families like mine relive our worst day,” Aubrie stated.

Joined by her parents, Steve and Kristi, Aubrie stressed the importance of remembering the lives lost. She shared memories of Kaylee as a vibrant and joyful person. “Kaylee was always filled with positivity and was one of the hardest workers I knew,” said Aubrie. “I try to emulate her determination and positivity in my own life.”

Family Perspectives

Alivea Goncalves, the oldest sibling, also shared her thoughts about Kohberger’s petition. “It’s hard to accept that someone incarcerated can still torment their victims’ families,” she stated. “Our suffering will not end until the defendant is no longer alive.”

Kohberger, who filed the petition himself, is now represented by a public defender. In his petition, he claimed he was “advised to lie” for a “legal victory” through a “false plea.” He declared to The New York Times that his plea, based on these false promises, must be withdrawn. NBC News has sought comments from Kohberger’s legal representatives and the families of the other victims but received no response.