The mother of one of the four University of Idaho students savagely murdered by Bryan Kohberger revealed that the time she spent behind bars helped her find forgiveness for her daughter’s killer, according to reports.
Cara Northington, the mother of 20-year-old Xana Kernodle, delivered a raw and emotional speech at a faith-based event in Coeur d’Alene on Friday, the Idaho Spokesman reported.
“I don’t hate Bryan Kohberger,” the grieving mom said on Saturday night at a “Journey of Forgiveness” event at Altar Church, according to the outlet.
The shocking admission came during a panel discussion at the church, where Northington joined others who learned how to forgive people who committed unspeakable crimes against their family members.
Northington was arrested for a probation violation shortly after Kernodle was killed by Kohberger in a horrific quadruple homicide, she recalled during the panel, according to the Coeur d’Alene press.
She spent 10 months behind bars and got clean after struggling with a drug addiction for 30 years, Northington said.
While in jail, she refound her faith and spent most of her time reading the Bible, she added.
“The Lord just had me surrender it all. And I did, and I haven’t gone back,” Northington said.
Her newfound sobriety resulted in an “overwhelming joy” and directed her on a path to forgiveness, she said.
“I do not fear you or let you have space in my head anymore,” Northington said in a message directly to Kohberger, noting that the cold-blooded killer was “still made in God’s image.”
The healed mother also opened up about how her daughter was a “beautiful soul” who “lit up a room.”
“She was funny. She just had a way of making you feel special,” Northington said.
Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of Kernodle, her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, and her roommates Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21.
The sentence came from a controversial plea deal the killer struck earlier in July, which allowed him to avoid death by firing squad if he was found guilty in a trial – and also meant he wouldn’t have to explain his actions or motive.
Kernodle put up a “fierce fight” against Kohberger, suffering noticeable defensive wounds on her hands.
Kohberger is now behind bars at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna.
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