Idaho Police Update Debunks Online Reports About Four Student Murders

A major update on the investigation into the murder of four University of Idaho students has been released by local police, debunking some theories that had been spreading online.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, were found dead at a property near the university's Moscow campus on November 13.

The four students had been stabbed to death, according to an investigation by the Latah County Coroner which categorized their deaths as homicides.

Contrary to some online reports none of the victims were found tied up or gagged, whilst the two surviving room mates are not believed to have been involved.

Police, who are being assisted in their investigation by the FBI, have yet to make any arrests in connection with the case.

The city of Moscow police department released an update on the "known facts surrounding the four murders" on Friday.

Regarding the victims' final movements, the Facebook post said: "On the evening of November 12th, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were at a local bar called The Corner Club at 202 N. Main Street, in downtown Moscow, between 10 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. on November 13th.

"At approximately 1:40 a.m., Kaylee and Madison were seen on video at a local food vendor called the 'Grub Truck' at 318 S. Main Street and used a private party for a ride home from downtown to arrive at their 1122 King Road residence at 1:45 a.m.

"Investigators have determined that Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle were seen at the Sigma Chi house on the University of Idaho Campus at 735 Nez Perce Drive. At approximately 1:45 a.m., Ethan and Xana are believed to have returned to the residence at 1122 King Road."

Police said Chapin was just visiting the property, and did not live there as earlier reports had suggested. Two other roommates were in the house at the time of the killing, but are not being treated as likely suspects.

Officers were first called to the property at 11:58 a.m. on November 13, following reports of "an unconscious individual." After arriving at the property, they discovered the four deceased students.

The update continued: "Autopsies were conducted on November 17th. The Latah County Coroner confirmed the identity of the four murdered individuals and their cause and manner of death as homicide by stabbing.

"The coroner stated that the four victims were likely asleep, some had defensive wounds, and each was stabbed multiple times. There was no sign of sexual assault.

"At this time in the investigation, detectives do not believe the two surviving roommates or the male in the Grub Truck surveillance video are involved in this crime. Additionally, online reports of the victims being tied and gagged are not accurate. The identity of the 911 caller has not been released."

Classes at the University of Idaho were cancelled on Monday, out of respect for the victims.

A candle lit vigil will be held at the university to honor the deceased students on November 30.

Police are urging anyone who can provide information about the case to get in touch by calling their tip line, at 208-883-7180, or emailing tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.