Kaylee Goncalves’ parents kept eyes on alleged Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger

The parents of slain University of Idaho student Kaylee Goncalves admit they couldn’t look away from the man accused of taking her life. During a court appearance this week, they found themselves locked in on every move suspect Bryan Kohberger made.

“I just was too overtaken by the fact that I was in a courtroom going over a case that had to do with people I cared about,” Steve Goncalves told NewsNation. His wife, Kristi, shared a similar emotion, saying she “expected to feel this immense amount of hate” but instead felt shock.

“I looked at him, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him, his every movement,” she recalled.

The Goncalveses, joined by their attorney, spoke about the case against the 28-year-old former criminology student. Kohberger is charged with the November murders of Kaylee, 21, her best friend Madison Mogen, 21, housemate Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kernodle’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, at their off-campus rental in Moscow, Idaho.

Kristi admitted she still struggles to process the allegations. “I just could not believe that he has done what he has done,” she said.

Steve also noted something surprising about the accused killer. “He’s a guy that looks like a normal everyday kid,” he said. “I didn’t see anything there that caught my eye.”

Kohberger did not enter a plea during Thursday’s hearing. He is due back in court for a status hearing on January 12.

For the Goncalves family, justice carries a heavy meaning. Steve said they hope for the death penalty, explaining that “justice is when you leave the planet, and the whole world is able to rejoice.” He added that the family “will forgive” if Kohberger pays with his life.

“For me, justice is gonna look a lot like an end,” the grieving father said.

What will happen when Kohberger appears in court again next month?