Family of Ethan Chapin won’t attend Bryan Kohberger’s trial for Idaho student murders.

The Legacy of Ethan Chapin

The family of Ethan Chapin, one of four University of Idaho students killed last year, will not attend suspect Bryan Kohberger’s murder trial.

The tragic loss of Ethan Chapin and his three friends shook the University of Idaho community to its core. But rather than focus on the trial of the suspect, Ethan’s family is choosing to honor his legacy and focus on healing.

Ethan’s Smile Foundation

Shortly after Ethan’s death, his family started the Ethan’s Smile Foundation to keep his memory alive. They also created a yellow-and-white tulip mix called “Ethan’s Smile” that is for sale at Tulip Valley Farms, where Ethan worked planting bulbs.

The Greatest Kid

Ethan’s mother, Stacy Chapin, described her son as the “greatest kid” who was loved by everyone. “He was warm. He was inclusive. He was the kid you wanted to hang out with. He was kind,” she said. “He was that way from the very beginning. He was born happy. He was just magnanimous. I don’t know how to really explain it.”

The Trial

The trial of suspect Bryan Kohberger is set for October 2nd. However, Ethan’s family will not be attending. “It’s energy that we need to put into healing our kids and getting back to a new family dynamic,” Stacy Chapin said. “We let the prosecutors do their job and we do our job in our family.”

The Fifth Amendment

Kohberger pleaded not guilty to four first-degree murder charges and one felony burglary charge on May 22. Kohberger and his defense counsel opted to “stand silent,” which is protected under the Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination, so a “not guilty” plea was entered for him.

The Death Penalty

Prosecutors have 60 days from the plea entry to announce if they are seeking the death penalty. Due to recent legislation signed by Gov. Brad Little (R-ID), Kohberger could face the firing squad if convicted and the death penalty is on the table.

Ethan’s legacy lives on through his family’s efforts to honor him and through the memories of those who knew and loved him.

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