MOSCOW, Idaho — The Moscow Police Department is investigating the deaths of four University of Idaho students who were found dead Sunday afternoon at an apartment less than a mile from the university campus. The FBI on Tuesday confirmed that the bureau is among the agencies assisting Moscow Police in the search for answers about the tragedy.
Moscow Police Chief James Fry confirmed to KTVB the four victims were students at the University of Idaho. The police department and the City of Moscow on Monday identified them as 20-year-old Ethan Chapin, from Conway, Washington; 21-year-old Madison Mogen, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; 20-year-old Xana Kernodle, from Post Falls, Idaho; and 21-year-old Kaylee GonCalves, from Rathdrum, Idaho.
Moscow city officials ask the public to "please respect the privacy of the victims’ family, friends, and loved ones as the Moscow Police Department investigates this tragic event."
Moscow Police on Tuesday said that based on information from the preliminary investigation, investigators believe the students were killed in an "isolated, targeted attack." Police have not taken any suspects into custody, but they also say there is "no imminent threat to the community at large."
The police department again said "we do not believe there is an ongoing threat for community members" in a statement Tuesday evening and added they have "shared every piece of information that we can without compromising the ongoing investigation."
According to Moscow Police Capt. Tyson Berrett, officers received a call just before noon PT on Sunday reporting an unconscious person near King Road, less than a mile from the University of Idaho campus.
Once officers arrived, they found the four students already dead.
According to a Vandal Alert sent by the university Sunday, police have not identified a suspect and students were asked to stay away from the area and shelter in place. An updated alert, sent one hour later after the initial alert, lifted the shelter in place.
In a statement sent Sunday night from the University, President Scott Green said classes would be canceled Monday, out of respect for the students who lost their lives, and extra support options would be open to students requiring assistance.
Fundraisers to assist the families of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee GonCalves have been started on GoFundMe, which has verified the authenticity of the fundraisers.
The Moscow Police Dept. is working with the FBI, Idaho State Police, the Latah County Prosecutor's Office and other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of the students' deaths.
In Tuesday evening's statement, the department said "we hope to have more information" Wednesday.
Anyone with information is asked to call Moscow Police at 208-883-7054.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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