The four University of Idaho students found dead in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho, on Sunday were killed with a knife in what police are calling a “targeted attack.”
The Moscow Police Department said in a press release on Tuesday that it does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community and that “Evidence indicates that this was a targeted attack.” In another press release, police revealed that a knife was likely used to commit the murders.
“Although no weapons have been located, based on preliminary information, investigators believe that an edged weapon such as a knife was used. Autopsies are scheduled to be completed later this week and will hopefully provide more definitive information on the exact cause of the deaths,” the MPD said, adding that there are still no suspects in custody.
While police have been scarce on details in official releases, law enforcement sources told the Daily Mail that the scene inside the residence was “the worst they’ve ever seen,” with blood seeping out of the home and dripping down the side of the house.
“There was blood everywhere,’ one source told the outlet, which published photos of the outside of the home with blood seen dripping down the foundation. “We have investigators who have been on the job for 20, even 30, years, and they say they have never seen anything like this.”
The outlet also reported that police were seen collecting the contents of trash cans near the residence. The trash was then taken to a local garbage depot where cops in hazmat suits sifted through it in a screened-off shed.
On Monday, police identified the four students found inside the residence as Ethan Chapin, 20; Kaylee GonCalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Madison Mogen, 21.
“The Moscow Police Department and the City of Moscow is deeply saddened for the families of these individuals, fellow students and friends, and our community during this time. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to each and every person affected by this incident,” the Moscow Police Department said in a press release.
The four students appear to be close friends, with GonCalves and Mogen each graduating from Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The two women had been friends since childhood, according to KXLY. GonCalves was a senior majoring in General Studies, while Mogen was a senior majoring in Marketing.
Chapin was originally from Mount Vernon, Washington, but grew up visiting Priest Lake, Idaho, according to KXLY. He was majoring in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management. The final victim, Kernodle, was a junior majoring in Marketing. Just two weeks before their deaths, Kernodle posted a photo on social media wishing Chapin a happy birthday, writing, “life is so much better with you in it, love you!”
