Almost two weeks after the stabbing murders of four University of Idaho students, authorities are still looking for leads and appealing to the public for assistance, according to CNN.
The Moscow Police Department stated Friday night that investigators are evaluating more than 260 digital submissions – including videos and images – made by the public via an FBI link.
Detectives are requesting all available footage, whether or not there appears to be motion and content, according to a police press release issued late Friday.
Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, were found stabbed to death in a Moscow home on November 13, and authorities have yet to find a suspect or the murder weapon, which is thought to be a fixed-blade knife.
The night of the murders, Goncalves and Mogen were at a sports bar, while Chapin and Kernodle were at a fraternity party. When the four bodies were discovered, two roommates were present. Police believe the roommates were not engaged in the deaths.
“Detectives are also seeking additional tips and surveillance video of any unusual behavior on the night of November 12th into the early hours of November 13th while Kaylee and Madison were in downtown Moscow and while Ethan and Xana were at the Sigma Chi house,” according to the announcement. “Anyone who observed unusual behavior near these areas or has video surveillance is asked to submit their tips.”
According to a Friday update from Moscow police, investigators have forwarded 113 pieces of physical evidence they collected to the Idaho State Police crime lab for processing.
Police stated earlier this week that they had reviewed over 1,000 tips and interrogated over 150 people.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little has committed up to $1 million in expenses for the ongoing investigation, Idaho State Police Col. Kedrick Wills stated earlier this week during a press conference.
“Like all Idahoans, Governor Little is deeply saddened by the loss of these four bright and promising young lives,” Wills stated. “And he’s making sure the State of Idaho provides all of the resources possible to ensure that the person or persons responsible for this are brought to justice.”
The FBI, state police, and Moscow police are all involved in the murder investigation.
Authorities have stated that they have not ruled out the possibility that more than one person was involved in the deaths. The police believe the attack was premeditated.
The murders, the first in Moscow since 2015, have shook the city and the university campus, which has 9,300 students. Last week, some teachers canceled classes. One person said on social media that he “can’t in good conscience hold class” until police provide more information or name a suspect.
While students were on fall break this week, university President Scott Green sent a statement regarding learning alternatives to students and employees on Tuesday. There will be two weeks left in the semester before courses resume.
He stated, “Faculty have been asked to prepare in-person teaching and remote learning options so that each student can choose their method of engagement,” “Moving courses fully online is not preferred but may be necessary in limited situations.”
While speculations about the murders circulate in the hamlet of approximately 25,000 people, authorities have stated that they will only share verified information that does not jeopardize the investigation.
“There is speculation without factual backing, stoking community fears and spreading false facts” the announcement stated on Friday. The public is encouraged to consult to “official releases for accurate information and updated progress” on the investigation.
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