The University of Idaho and the city of Moscow are on edge after the inexplicable murders
of four students.
On November 13th, 2022, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle
were found dead at an off-campus home.
The victims, whose ages ranged from 20 to 21 years old, were stabbed to death.
The murders were described by the mayor of Moscow as a "crime of passion," and, right
now, there are currently no suspects in the case.
Coroner Cathy Mabbutt told The New York Times:
CNN reports that some of the victims had defense wounds, but police said they were "likely
asleep" when they were attacked.
So what exactly happened on the night of the murders?
The Times explains that Chapin and Kernodle, who were a couple, were at a party between
8 and 9 p.m. Mogen and Goncalves, on the other hand, were at a bar until 11 p.m.
By 1:45 a.m., all four of the victims had returned home.
What occurred next is unknown.
Eventually, another roommate placed a 911 call, leading to the discovery of the four victims.
Two other housemates were spared in the attack, though it is not currently known why.
On November 12th, Kaylee Goncalves had posted a series of photos on Instagram with Mogen,
Chapin, and Kernodle.
The caption stated:
According to The Times, Goncalves was due to graduate in December and had plans to move
to Austin, Texas for a job in marketing.
CBS News adds that Goncalves and Mogen had been friends for years.
Prior to their deaths, Goncalves had previously shared photos on Instagram with Mogen.
Goncalves' mother, Kristi, told KREM that she feels like she has lost two daughters.
Her sister, Alivia, similarly said that she has lost two sisters.
Mogen was from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Her boyfriend, Jake Schriger, told the publication:
Meanwhile, Chapin was a triplet whose siblings also attended the University of Idaho.
His mother, Stacy Chapin, told The Times:
In an interview with local news station 3TV out of Pheonix, Arizona, Jeffrey Kernodle,
Kernodle's father, said that he talked to his daughter shortly before she was murdered.
He explained:
The University of Idaho killings marks the first murders in Moscow since 2015.
Needless to say, the deaths have rocked this small community of 25,000.
Moreover, CNN reports that fellow students and citizens are uneasy due to the fact that
a suspect has not been identified or arrested.
In a statement published in the Idaho Statesman, Goncalves' sister, Alivia, said:
Moscow Police Chief James Fry added to this anxiety during a press conference.
"We cannot say there's no threat to the communityand as we have stated, please stay vigilant
[...] and be aware of your surroundings at all times."
Per USA Today, a murder weapon has also not been found.
However, Cathy Mabbutt, the Latah County coroner, told NewsNation she concluded that the victims
had been stabbed to death with a "pretty large knife."
Nevertheless, it's not known how or why the attacks on the four students occurred.
As a result, the authorities have set up an email tip line for answers.
A memorial for Goncalves, Mogen, Chapin, and Kernodle is scheduled for November 30th.