‘Posts were tame given how their daughter died’: Idaho 4 victim’s family Facebook page reportedly removed over allegations of incitement to violence

The family of one of the Idaho 4 victims, Kaylee Goncalves, is facing renewed controversy, not over the murder trial itself, but over a Facebook memorial page dedicated to Kaylee and her best friend, Madison Mogen. The page was reportedly removed after allegations surfaced that some posts may have crossed the line into incitement to violence.

The memorial page, reportedly run by Kaylee’s mother, was described by Reddit users as a heartfelt space intended to honor the lives of the slain students and provide a community of support. One Redditor described the group as “a sweet page… to memorialize and share memories and pictures of Maddie & Kaylee.” They added, “They sometimes talk about feelings about the trial, but nothing reportable in any world. These people reporting them are absolutely going after victims’ families.”

Were “Kho-Bros” responsible?

The Facebook page’s removal appears to have been prompted by allegations of inciting violence. According to posts circulating on Reddit and X, “Kho-Bros”—vocal online defenders of Bryan Kohberger—claimed the page was taken down because it included language about wanting to see Kohberger executed if found guilty. One Reddit user summed up the controversy by quoting the Kho-Bros: “ … the Kho-bros say it was because they talked about wanting to help execute Kohberger post-conviction.”

Goncalves family: Kohberger “deserves to die”

It’s worth noting that the Goncalves family has been outspoken about the manner of justice they believe Kohberger should face if convicted. According to Reddit, the Goncalves family has said Kohberger should “die in the same manner as his victims,” a sentiment that has divided public opinion. According to CBS News, Goncalves’ mother said in court that if Kohberger is guilty, then “he deserves to die.”

Some view this reaction from grieving parents as understandable. Others have raised concerns about the potential implications of such statements, especially on public platforms.

This development comes amid an already emotionally charged legal process. Bryan Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student, is currently awaiting trial for the brutal November 2022 slayings of four University of Idaho students: Goncalves, Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Kohberger was arrested in December 2022 and charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

“IMHO the supposedly offensive posts were tame”

Supporters of the family argue that the posts in question were made in the heat of grief and should be seen through that lens. “IMHO the supposedly offensive posts were tame given how their daughter died,” one Redditor commented, echoing the sentiments of many who frequent the memorial page.

Others argue that the platform should be cautious with posts that could be interpreted as encouraging violence, even when made by grieving families. Social media companies have strict guidelines about content that can be construed as violent threats or incitement, especially in high-profile criminal cases that attract intense public scrutiny.

The removal of the page has sparked renewed debate over the balance between free expression and responsible discourse, particularly in online spaces where emotions run high. For the Goncalves family, the page was not just a place to mourn but a vital outlet for sharing memories, coping with trauma, and staying connected with a community that supported them. “I have visited the page many times and it really seems like the support really helps her mom,” noted another Reddit user.