By Ju Hyun Son (Jacy)
On Nov. 13, 2022, four college students–Kaylee Goncalves (21), Madison Mogen (21), Ethan Chapin (20), and Xana Kernodle (20)–were murdered at a house near the University of Idaho (UI) campus.
Goncalves, Mogen and Kernodle lived together with two additional housemates. Chapin was visiting his girlfriend, Kernodle, the night of the killings. There are currently no suspects in custody.
Saturday night students gathered after a UI football game at a Sigma Chi fraternity party, and Chapin and Kernodle came home at 1:45 a.m. Around that time, Mogen and Goncalves were at the Corner Club bar and went home around 1:56 a.m., after stopping by a food truck for a late night snack. The police said that a “private party” drove them home. Police have ruled out the private party as a suspect.
The police have not confirmed the time of death, but it is estimated that the victims were killed between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. The victims were likely asleep when attacked, according to Cathy Mabbutt, the Latah County coroner.
After the completion of an autopsy, at least one of the victims was reported to have defensive wounds. Police are still waiting to hear back from the toxicology, and they have stated that the victims were stabbed multiple times with a sharp object.
Moscow has a population of 25,850 as of last year, and around 11,000 students are enrolled at UI. No murders have been reported in Moscow since 2015.
At the beginning of the incident, the Moscow Police Department assured the public that there was “No ongoing community risk,” and, “No imminent threat to the community at large.”
However after the first press conference the police and University of Idaho President held, the police have now stated, “Until this case is completely resolved, we ask the community to continue to be vigilant, alert, report suspicious activity and help us to be the eyes and ears in our community.”
The police have shared that they have given the community all of the information that they have, however there are still many moving parts and unanswered questions.
LC State sends thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families and everyone who is involved and impacted by this heartbreaking incident.
If anyone has information about this incident, please call the Moscow Police Department at (208) 882-2677, or email the tip line (tipline@ci.moscow.id.us).
