Idaho Police Update debunk online reports of four student killings

A major update on the investigation into the murder of four University of Idaho students has been released by local police, debunking some theories that have been circulating online.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, were found dead on November 13 at a property near the university’s Moscow campus.

The four students had been stabbed to death, according to an investigation by the Latah County Coroner, who ruled their deaths a homicide.

Contrary to some online reports, none of the victims were found bound or gagged, while the two surviving housemates are believed not to have been involved.

Police, assisted in their investigation by the FBI, have not yet made any arrests in connection with the case.

Moscow City Police released an update on “known facts surrounding the four murders” on Friday.

Regarding the victims’ final movements, the Facebook post reads: “On the evening of November 12, between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were at a local bar called The Corner Club at 202 N. Main Street in downtown Moscow :30 on November 13.

“About 1:40 a.m. Kaylee and Madison were seen on video at a local grocer called ‘Grub Truck’ at 318 S. Main Street, using a private party to drive home from downtown to their 1122 King Road Apartment at 1:45 p.m

Investigators have determined that Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle were seen at the Sigma Chi home on the University of Idaho campus at 735 Nez Perce Drive. Ethan and Xana are believed to have returned to the residence at 1122 King Street around 1:45 a.m.

Police said Chapin only visited the property and did not live there, as previous reports suggested. Two other housemates were in the home at the time of the murder but are not being treated as likely suspects.

Officers were first called to the property at 11:58 a.m. on November 13 after reports of “one person unconscious.” Arriving at the property, they discovered the four deceased students.

The update continued, “Autopsies were performed on November 17th. The Latah County Coroner confirmed the identities of the four murdered individuals and their cause and manner of death as stabbings.

“The coroner stated that the four victims were probably asleep, had a number of defensive wounds and each received multiple stab wounds. There were no signs of sexual assault.

“At this stage of the investigation, detectives do not believe the two surviving roommates or the man in the Grub Truck surveillance video are involved in this crime. In addition, online reports of the victims being bound and gagged are inaccurate. The identity of the 911 callers has not been released.”

Classes at the University of Idaho were canceled Monday out of respect for the victims.

On November 30th, a candlelight vigil will be held at the university in honor of the deceased students.

Police are urging anyone who can provide information about the case to contact him at 208-883-7180 ​​or email tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.