Police in Moscow, Idaho, are asking for the public’s help with any leads that could solve the murder cases of four University of Idaho students.
It’s been more than a week since Ethan Chapin, 20; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Madison Mogen, 21, were found stabbed to death in the home they shared off-campus. On Sunday, police provided more information about the killings and asked the public for “context to the events and people involved in these murders.”
“Anyone who observed notable behavior, has video surveillance, or can provide relevant information is asked to call the Tip Line,” police said in a press release.
Police are looking for any outside surveillance video taken between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on November 13 – the morning of the murders – from local businesses and residences in the area. They’ve requested all video, even if there doesn’t appear to be any motion in them. Police are also asking for any tips or surveillance video about “any observed suspicious behavior” on the night of the murders, particularly in the areas where the students were.
Goncalves and Mogen were in downtown Moscow prior to their murders, while Chapin and Kernodle were at the Sigma Chi fraternity house.
The police also clarified that the 911 call about an unconscious person was made from inside the residence on one of the surviving roommates’ cell phones. Several people spoke with the 911 dispatcher before a police officer arrived on the scene, and at this time, police do not believe anyone who was at the residence at the time the 911 call was made is involved in the crime.
Police also cautioned against spreading rumors or speculating about the case.
“Rumors and speculation continue circulating about the ongoing investigation. MPD cautions the public not to rely on rumors and remains committed to keeping the public informed. We urge reliance on official channels for accurate information,” police wrote.
Police do not believe the two surviving roommates are involved in the murder. Previously, surveillance footage showed Goncalves and Mogen at a food truck in the early morning hours, along with some other people nearby. Police do not believe that a man in that video is involved in the crime either, nor do they suspect the private party driver who drove the two women home.
Police have received nearly 600 tips relating to the case but still have no suspects in custody and have not located the weapon used. Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt previously described the murder weapon as “a bigger knife” that would be consistent with the “pretty extensive” wounds found on the students. She wouldn’t say how many times each student was stabbed, but she indicated that each student was stabbed multiple times and in different places on their bodies. She also said the victims had a “little bit of bruising” but “nothing significant,” adding that such bruising “wouldn’t be uncommon during a stabbing.”