2025 saw several criminal cases that captured national attention, from the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk to the resolution of the University of Idaho murders and the high‑profile retrial of Karen Read. Tyler Robinson was arrested and charged in the Kirk killing; prosecutors recovered a bolt‑action rifle and a trial may occur in early 2026. Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to four first‑degree murder counts and received consecutive life sentences without parole. Karen Read was acquitted of major homicide charges but convicted of a misdemeanor OUI and faces a civil wrongful‑death suit.
Inside 2025’s Biggest Crime Stories: The Kirk Assassination, Idaho Plea, Read Verdict and More
Charlie Kirk’s killing, Idaho murders plea and Karen Read verdict: Inside 2025’s biggest crime moments
From politically charged violence to high‑profile courtroom resolutions, 2025 was a year in which several criminal cases riveted the nation. These stories — spanning an assassination, a long‑running homicide investigation, a contested retrial and multiple mass‑violence incidents — raised questions about motive, public safety and the role of online radicalization.
Charlie Kirk Assassination: Suspect Arrested
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in 2025 in an attack that reignited debate over political violence and online radicalization. Authorities arrested 22‑year‑old Tyler Robinson of Utah after a relative contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and investigators released photos of a person of interest. Law enforcement recovered a bolt‑action rifle near the scene that officials say was used in the killing. Robinson has been charged in the case; prosecutors have indicated the matter could go to trial in early 2026. The investigation and pretrial proceedings remain active.
University of Idaho Murders: Kohberger Pleads Guilty
The 2022 slayings of four University of Idaho students — Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin — produced one of the most closely watched homicide investigations of the decade. Investigators used cellphone pings, surveillance video and DNA recovered from a knife sheath to identify Bryan Kohberger, then a criminology Ph.D. student, as the primary suspect. On July 2, 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first‑degree murder and one count of felony burglary as part of a plea agreement in which the state agreed not to seek the death penalty. A judge later imposed four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole plus additional time for the burglary conviction. Kohberger offered no public explanation for the killings and is incarcerated at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI) in Kuna.
Karen Read Retrial: Acquittal On Major Charges
In Massachusetts, the retrial of Karen Read, accused in the Jan. 29, 2022, death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe, ended on June 18, 2025. A Norfolk County jury acquitted Read of second‑degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene, but convicted her of the misdemeanor offense of operating a motor vehicle under the influence (OUI). Read received one year of probation for the OUI; the state is not pursuing additional criminal charges. The O’Keefe family has filed a wrongful‑death civil suit that is expected to continue through 2026.
Minnesota Ambush: Federal Charges Filed
The June 14, 2025 ambush that killed Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounded Senator John Hoffman and his wife prompted a multistate search and federal involvement. Authorities arrested 58‑year‑old Vance Boelter, who is charged in federal court with murder, attempted murder, stalking and firearms violations. Federal filings say Boelter impersonated a police officer and targeted Democratic officials; he has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody as proceedings continue.
New Orleans New Year’s Attack: Terror Investigation
On Jan. 1, 2025, a vehicle plowed into New Year’s crowds near Canal and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 14 spectators and injuring dozens. Investigators identified the driver as 42‑year‑old Shamsud‑Din Jabbar. Authorities later recovered bomb‑making materials and evidence of attempts to destroy items at a nearby rental property. Jabbar was killed in an exchange with police. With the suspect deceased, there is no criminal prosecution, but the FBI is treating the incident as a terrorism investigation and continues to analyze digital records, travel history and potential associates.
Menendez Resentencing And Parole Denials
In May 2025, Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez to terms of 50 years to life, a change that made them eligible to seek parole because they were under 26 at the time of the 1989 murders of their parents. In August, both brothers were denied parole after the board concluded they still posed an unreasonable risk to public safety. The parole board cited Erik’s history of serious institutional violations and Lyle’s persistent antisocial traits despite good behavior. Each received a three‑year denial and may seek administrative review in a year.
Why These Cases Matter: Together, these incidents highlight ongoing national concerns about politically motivated violence, the impact of online radicalization, the challenges of proving motive in complex homicides, and how the criminal justice system balances punishment, rehabilitation and public safety.
Shocking 2025 crime stories that gripped America include the Charlie Kirk assassination, Idaho killings plea and Karen Read acquittal.
Booking photos for Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in the Utah assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse for his sentencing hearing, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, for brutally stabbing four University of Idaho students to death.
The victims of the Nov. 13, 2022 University of Idaho massacre, from left to right: Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen.
Karen Read and her attorneys arrive at Norfolk County Superior Court on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Dedham, Mass.
Karen Read during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass.
This combo of photos provided by the Minnesota Legislature shows, from left, Sen. John A. Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman.
L-R: Minnesota lawmaker assassin suspect Vance Boelter arrested; Mugshot of Vance Boelter.
Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing, on Dec. 29, 1992, in Los Angeles.
This photo provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez.
