Police: 4 University of Idaho students found dead on campus 00:22
Police have identified the four University of Idaho students who were found dead in a home near the campus in Moscow, Idaho, on Sunday. The Moscow Police Department called the deaths “homicides” and on Monday identified the victims as Ethan Chapin, a 20-year-old from Conway, Washington. Madison Mogen, a 21-year-old from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Xana Kernodle, 20, of Avondale, Arizona; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum, Idaho. “Please respect the privacy of the family, friends and loved ones of the victims as the Moscow Police Department investigates this tragic incident,” police said in a statement. Officers with the Moscow Police Department discovered the deaths when they responded to a report of an unconscious person shortly before noon, according to a news release from the city. Authorities did not release further details, including the cause of death. “Details are limited in this investigation. At this time, no one is in custody,” the police department wrote in a news release. “Moscow police do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the community based on information gathered during the preliminary investigation.” Police said anyone with information should contact the department and asked people to respect the privacy of the victims’ family and friends. Brian Nickerson, the fire chief of the Moscow Volunteer Fire and EMS Department, said police were the first to arrive at the home. First responders from the fire and EMS department did not enter or transport anyone from the scene, Nickerson said. “It is with deep sadness that I share with you that the university was informed today of the deaths of four University of Idaho students living off campus who are believed to be victims of homicide,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said in a statement released on Facebook Sunday night. “Out of respect for these fellow Vandals, statewide and online classes are canceled on Monday, November 14.” The university said counselors would be available for students at the campus counseling center, while employees could access help through an employee assistance program. Green urged people to reach out if they are concerned about classmates or co-workers. “An event of this magnitude can reasonably have significant effects on those left behind,” Green wrote. “As Vandals, we must unite and lift each other up.” Green added that the students’ families have been notified. Green also said the university “will continue to actively assist law enforcement efforts.” Shortly after the bodies were found, the university advised students to evacuate for about an hour until investigators determined there was no active threat to others in the area. The Moscow Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to call the department at 208-882-2677. Moscow City is a tight-knit college town nestled in the rolling hills of north-central Idaho, about 80 miles southeast of Spokane, Washington. Two of the students killed worked at Mad Greek, a family restaurant a little more than a mile from the home where the students were found, the institution said on Facebook. The owners wrote a heartfelt tribute to Mogen and Kernodle. “Xana and Maddie have been servers here for several years and have brought so much joy to our restaurant and to everyone they meet,” the restaurant wrote, noting that Mogen had also managed much of the social media. “… You will be greatly missed. Thank you for being part of our family/team and helping me so much over the years. Until we meet again.” It is with a broken heart and deep sadness that we share with you that we have lost two of our own here at Mad Greek. Xana… Posted by Mad Greek on Monday, November 14, 2022 The Goncalves family released an emotional statement about the loss of their daughter and sister, according to CBS affiliate KREM’s Janelle Finch. “Kaylee was, is and always will be our defender and protector,” the family wrote in part. “… She did absolutely everything she set her mind to. She didn’t hold back in love, fights or life.” In the statement, the family also asked people to “refrain from spreading harmful rumours” about the deaths of the four students. Shortly after Moscow police announced an investigation into the death, students at the University of Virginia were also told to evacuate after police said a suspect shot fellow students on a bus as they returned from a school trip. The shooting killed three members of the school’s football team and wounded two students. The shooting sparked an intense manhunt Sunday, and authorities announced Monday that a suspect, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., had been arrested. The deaths at both universities prompted officials and other colleges to send messages of condolence. “We were shocked to learn of the tragic deaths of four Uidaho students this weekend in Moscow. We mourn the lives lost and grieve with their loved ones and the entire Vandal community,” Boise University tweeted Monday. “Our hearts also go out to the UVA community where violence has claimed three lives.” Boise Mayor Lauren McLean also shared a message of support. “I am deeply saddened by the news from the University of Idaho today and am sorry for the family and friends of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. The entire @UIdaho community is in my heart during this unspeakable tragedy,” McLean tweeted. U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson tweeted that he and his wife, Kathy Simpson, sent their deepest condolences to the families of the UI students. “Our hearts ache for your loss,” Simpson wrote. “Today we are all Vandals.”
