'A Healing Step': Idaho House, Where 4 College Students Were Fatally Stabbed, Is Being Demolished
In a significant step towards healing, the house in Idaho where the tragic murders of four college students¡ªKaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin¡ªtook place is now being demolished.
In a significant step towards healing, the house in Idaho where the tragic murders of four college students¡ªKaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin¡ªtook place is now being demolished.
Why is the house being demolished?
The decision to demolish marks a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the heinous crime that shook the Idaho community.
The demolition process commenced today on the three-story house where four University of Idaho students tragically lost their lives last November. The property's owner kindly donated it to the university, starting the process of removing the site as a part of the community's healing from the tragic incident.
A statement released by the school on February 24 announcing the planned demolition of the house reads: "This is a healing step and removes the physical structure where the crime that shook our community was committed."
"Demolition also removes efforts to sensationalize the crime scene further. We are evaluating options where students may be involved in the future development of the property."
What happened in November 2022?
The house at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, is where four University of Idaho students¡ªKaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20¡ªwere fatally stabbed on the second and third floors on November 13, 2022.
According to the probable cause affidavit for the suspect's arrest, which PEOPLE reviewed, authorities believe the murders took place between 4 and 4:25 a.m.
Reflecting on the tragedy, University of Idaho President Scott shared in the February 24 statement,
"Sometimes it is hard to see beyond this tragedy. But the selfless acts, the deep engagement, and the loving support of our entire Vandal Family remind me that there is so much good in the world. We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison, and Kaylee, and I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory."
The university confirmed the demolition date in a December 14 press release, noting that Bryan Kohberger's defense team planned to access the home on Dec. 14 and 15 for documentation purposes.
Two additional roommates in the home during the attacks survived unharmed. Authorities arrested Kohberger, 28, after connecting him to the crime scene using DNA evidence, surveillance footage, and cell phone pings, as stated in the affidavit.
"The house is a grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there," Green emphasized in the December 14 release. "While we appreciate the emotional connection some family members of the victims may have to this house, it is time for its removal and to allow the collective healing of our community to continue."
Despite the Goncalves family publicly expressing opposition to the demolition, prosecutors announced in June their intention to seek the death penalty against Kohberger, a Ph.D. student in criminology at the time of the murders.
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In August, he waived his right to a speedy trial, postponing the trial indefinitely.
In addition to the house's demolition, Green revealed in February that a "healing garden and memorial" is being created on the university's campus in memory of Mogen, Goncalves, Kernodle, Chapin, and other students from the University of Idaho, who have passed away.
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