University of Idaho Murders

University+of+Idaho+Murders

Abena Antwi, Reporter

On Sunday, November 13, 2022, four students of the University of Idaho—Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen—were found stabbed to death in their off-campus house, where three of them—with the exception of Ethan—lived along with two other people. The other two roommates were home during the attacks but remained uninjured.

Authorities discovered the bodies after receiving a call about an unconscious individual around 11:58 a.m. Earlier in the night, Kaylee and Madison were seen at a nearby food vendor, and are said to have arrived home at around 1:56 a.m. Ethan and Xana were spotted at a fraternity house on campus and are believed to have arrived home at about 1:45 a.m. Detectives say that the two surviving roommates were out separately during the night but arrived home before 1 a.m., and did not wake until the following morning.

The Moscow Police Department is leading this case with help from the Idaho State Police, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Officials have obtained 113 pieces of physical evidence, along with thousands of crime scene photos, and multiple 3D scans of the home. In order to protect the coherence of this investigation, the authorities are trying to keep this case contained. Despite looking at several suspects, investigators have no reason to publicly name any of them. Authorities have also not located a murder weapon.

This case challenges the Moscow Police Department because their last recorded homicide was dated back to 2015, meaning that many of their officers are inexperienced when it comes to homicide investigations. Moscow, Idaho, also has a very small population of about 26,000, which is keeping many residents concerned for their safety.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have yet to publicly identify any suspects. Investigators are asking anyone with any tips or information to call 208-883-7180 or email tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.