ADA COUNTY, Idaho — On Wednesday morning, just hours before Bryan Kohberger was set to appear in court to enter a guilty plea, the family of one of the victims asked Judge Steven Hippler to "take control of this deal."
It was announced on Monday that Kohberger, who is suspected of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, planned to plead guilty to all counts in exchange for removing the death penalty, after several attempts to strike the death penalty failed.
In the courtroom on Wednesday, Judge Hippler asked Kohberger whether he planned to plead guilty because he was guilty. Kohberger stated, "yes". He went on to admit to murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.
Kaylee Goncalves family has been vocal on social media since Kaylee's passing. On Wednesday morning, they posted a long letter on social media calling for Judge Hippler to step in and call off the deal, claiming that the deal didn't include any family negotiations.
TIMELINE: Bryan Kohberger and the murders of 4 Idaho college students
"Right here, right now, we dig our heels into the earth and carve a line deep in the dirt. This ain’t justice, no judge presided, no jury weighed the truth. (Judge) Thompson robbed us of our day in court. No negotiations, no jury of our peers, not even the pretense of cooperation and fairness," the family wrote on Facebook.
The family also spoke to Sr. Reporter Don Nelson outside the courtroom, expressing their disappointment.
WATCH: Steve Goncalves expresses frustration over plea deal moments before Kohberger court hearing
In the social media post, the family goes on to blame Judge Bill Thompson, who presided over the case prior to it moving to Ada County. The family has posted a link where the public can share messages with the Department of Justice, asking the community to "voice their concerns."
"This is our last shot," the family wrote. "Judge Hippler, you are our only hope that our child murder isn’t granted control over his destiny in our children’s names. You take control of this deal and make it right because now you OWN IT!
WATCH: Parents and students grieve statewide one year after U of I murders
The families of two other victims in the case — Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin — have all stated publicly that they agree with the court's decision to accept the plea deal.
WATCH: Madison Mogen's family asks public to respect their opinion on plea deal
Ultimately, Kohberger pled guilty during Wednesday's proceedings. A sentencing hearing is set for July 23 at the Ada County Courthouse.
