A “large number” of University of Idaho students left the city ahead of the Thanksgiving break after four students were killed over the weekend in what police are now calling an “isolated and targeted attack.”
Police in Moscow, Idaho, announced Tuesday that although no weapons have been recovered from the scene of the attack, investigators believe the victims were killed with a bladed weapon, such as a knife, at their home near campus.
“As large numbers of students have already left the Moscow campus, a candlelight vigil that had previously been considered for tomorrow, November 16, will be rescheduled,” read a Tuesday notice from Dean of Students Blaine Eckles. “It will be held after the Thanksgiving break, during the week of November 28, so that all students who wish to attend can do so. Please continue to check your emails for the date, time and location of the vigil”.
Although the school and police have said there is no threat to the community at this time, no suspects have been arrested and the community is nervous.
COLLEGE OF IDAHO VICTIMS BELIEVE THEY WERE STABBED TO DEATH IN ‘ISOLATED TARGETED ATTACK’: POLICE
Students left the University of Idaho before Thanksgiving break after a quadruple homicide.
(Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Officers on the scene said investigators found blood inside the home on King Road where the incident occurred late Saturday or early Sunday.
HOMICIDES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE 4 VICTIMS ALLEGEDLY KILLED NEAR CAMPUS
Neighbors reported hearing noise in the house Saturday night, but said it sounded more like a party than an altercation.
Police search a home in Moscow, Idaho on Monday, November 14, 2022 where four University of Idaho students were killed over the weekend in an apparent quadruple homicide.
(Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Moscow officials responded to reports of an unconscious person around noon Sunday and located the four deceased students upon arrival.
The victims are Ethan Chapin, 20, of Conway, Washington; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Avondale, Ariz.; and Kaylee GonCalves, 21, of Rathdrum, Idaho.
Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle appeared to be in a relationship based on their social media presences.
(Instagram/ @xanakernodle)
University of Idaho victims Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen.
(Instagram: @maddiemogen, @kayleegoncalves)
On Monday and Tuesday, investigators searched inside and outside the home for evidence, including in the dumpsters on Tuesday.
IDAHO POLICE NAMES 4 COLLEGE STUDENTS KILLED IN APPARENT QUADRUPLE MURDER NEAR CAMPUS
Parties are frequently organized at the many student houses on King Road, which was littered with empty alcohol crates and other items on Monday and Tuesday.
Parties are frequently organized at the many student houses on King Road, which was littered with empty alcohol crates and other items on Monday and Tuesday.
(Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
University of Idaho spokeswoman Jodi Walker said the school is being “flexible” with the various ways students are dealing with the tragedy.
Dean of Students Blaine Eckles said in his note to the school community that the students’ deaths “have had a profound impact on their families and friends” and that the school is “with them in their grief.” He encouraged the students to communicate their plans to the teachers.
The University of Idaho offered a number of support services to students in light of the tragedy.
(Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
The school provided various resources to students after the tragedy, including drop-in counseling sessions and therapy dogs, according to Eckles’ note.
She added that students can also seek support directly through her office.
FOUR UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO STUDENTS FOUND DEAD NEAR CAMPUS ‘BELIEVED TO BE VICTIMS OF HOMICIDE’
Autopsies on the four victims are scheduled to be completed by the end of this week, by which time police “will hopefully provide more definitive information on the exact cause of deaths,” the Moscow Police Department said on Tuesday.
Flowers and stuffed animals are dropped off at the entrance of the University of Idaho on Monday, November 14, 2022.
(Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Police added that “based on information from the preliminary investigation, investigators believe this was an isolated and targeted attack and there is no imminent threat to the community at large.”
“Words cannot adequately describe the light these students brought to this world or alleviate the depth of suffering we feel at their passing under these tragic circumstances,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said in a statement Monday. in the afternoon. “No one feels that loss more than family and friends. The university is working directly with those affected and is committed to supporting all students, families and employees as this event truly touches all of us.”
Investigators search a home in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, November 14, 2022, where four University of Idaho students were killed over the weekend in an apparent quadruple homicide.
(Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Investigators searched for evidence inside and outside the home on King Road on Sunday and Monday.
Local authorities have partnered with state and federal police offices on the case and are asking anyone with information to contact Moscow police at 208-883-7054.
