Family of Idaho murder suspect issues statement touting 'presumption of innocence'

The family of Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old suspect in the killings of four University of Idaho students, has issued a statement announcing its cooperation with authorities in the investigation while asserting the legal presumption of innocence applies to their embattled relative.

"We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions," the family stated through Kohberger's public defender, according to Fox News. "[T]here are no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel, and we pray each day for them," they said of the victims.

"We respect privacy in this matter as our family and the families suffering loss can move forward through the legal process," the statement concluded.

Pennsylvania State Police arrested Kohberger in late December in connection with the Nov. 13 killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Moscow, Idaho Police Chief James Fry in a press conference confirmed his status as the chief suspect.

County prosecutor Bill Thompson, in the same press conference, confirmed that Kohberger would face four first-degree murder charges.