Xana Kernodle’s Mother Forgives Bryan Kohberger For Her Daughter’s Murder: ‘I Don’t Hate’ Him

Xana Kernodle was stabbed more than 50 times in an attack so violent, her roommate misidentified her body, per the police report, which revealed that most of her injuries were defensive wounds, making it “obvious an intense struggle had occurred” with her killer, Bryan Kohberger.

But her mother, Cara Northington, has forgiven him, she told parishioners at the “Journey of Forgiveness” event at the Altar Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Saturday, September 6, according to The Spokesman-Review.

“I don’t hate Bryan Kohberger,” she tearfully declared.

Northington had previously told the Daily Mail that her daughter’s murder triggered a relapse in her 30-year battle with drug addiction. She was arrested three months after the November 13, 2022, slayings and went through withdrawal in jail, where she became involved in Altar Church’s Good Samaritan Rehabilitation program and began reading the Bible, she said at the September 6 event.

“I was very determined and hungry for the word. The Lord just had me surrender it all,” she said. “And I did, and I haven’t gone back.”

Northington also remembered the University of Idaho student, 20, as a “beautiful soul” who “lit up a room” and loved playing practical jokes. “She was funny. She just had a way of making you feel special.”

Northington made similar statements to Kohberger — who pleaded guilty to murdering Kernodle, her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, and her housemates, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Madison Mogen, 21 — at his sentencing hearing in July.

“My daughter possessed love for those around her and had a light so bright it will live on forever in our hearts,” Northington said in a statement she read in the court, while the murderer sat perfectly still and showed no reaction.

“Because of her, I came to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of her, many will come to Christ,” Northington continued. “It is Christ who lives in me that has given me the strength to forgive you. It was of no power of my own.”

“In return, the Lord has filled me with joy, hope and peace that surpasses all understanding,” she continued. “Jesus has allowed me to forgive you for murdering my daughter without you even being sorry or asking for this … This is only possible because He who lives in me is greater than any evil in this world.”

“I don’t let you rent space in my head anymore,” she concluded. “I am washing my hands of you and turning you over to my Lord and Savior. Nothing man can do to you can compare to the wrath of God.”

Kernodle received a Door Dash delivery of fast food from Jack-in-the-Box at around 4 a.m. on the night of the murders and investigators believe she may have been the only victim who was awake for the attack, which began less than 10 minutes later.

As the National Enquirer previously reported, Kohberger’s mother, Maryann, texted him details of Kernodle’s brave fight four days later.

Kohberger is now serving four consecutive life sentences at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.