Officials named four University of Idaho students who died in suspected homicides in off-campus housing on Monday.
The four students were identified as Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee GonCalves, 21 by the Moscow Police Department. Based on their social media accounts, the four appeared to be friends. Chapin and Kernodle appeared to be involved.
Chapin and Kernodle were both out-of-state students, whereas Mogen and GonCalves were Gem State natives prior to attending the university.
Kernodle was from Arizona, while Chapin was from Washington. Mogen was from Coeur d’Alene, and GonCalves was from Rathdrum, both in the state of Washington.
The causes of death in the homicide investigation have not yet been released, as details about the case remain scarce.
“There is currently no one in custody,” the police department stated in a press release.
“Based on information gathered during the preliminary investigation, the Moscow Police believe there is no ongoing community risk.”
Anyone with information was asked to contact the authorities.
The heartbreaking discovery The university initially ordered students to shelter in place until police determined there was no ongoing threat to the community. Moscow, Idaho, has a population of over 25,000 people and is about 80 miles from Spokane, Washington.
University President Scott Green canceled classes on Monday in honor of the four students whose lives were tragically cut short.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that the university was notified today of the death of four University of Idaho students living off-campus who were believed to be homicide victims,” Green said in a statement Sunday night.
Counselors will be available for students at the campus counseling center, and employees can seek assistance through an employee assistance program, according to the university.
Green wrote, “An event of this magnitude can understandably have significant consequences for those left behind.” “As Vandals, we must band together and support one another.
Sympathy was expressed from all over the state, including from House Rep. Mike Simpson.
“Kathy and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of these four students; our hearts ache for your loss.” “Today, we’re all Vandals,” he explained.
The announced deaths come just hours after three people were killed in a shooting at the University of Virginia. After a 12-hour manhunt, the alleged gunman in that case was apprehended on Monday.
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