Four University of Idaho students found dead in apparent homicide are identified by police

Four University of Idaho students found dead of suspected homicides in off-campus accommodations have been named by officials.

The Moscow Police Department identified the four middle schoolers as Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21.

The four appeared to be friends according to their social media accounts.

Chapin and Kernodle appeared to be in a relationship with an Instagram caption of Kernodle reading, “Life is so much better with you, love you!” to celebrate Chapin’s birthday.

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin

Mogen and Goncalves were from Coeur d’Alene and Rathdrum, Idaho, respectively, police said. Chapin was originally from Washington State.

Kaylee GonCalves, (left) and Madison Mogen

Kernodle was originally from Arizona, police say, although school officials said she was from Post Falls, Idaho.

Goncalves’ family remembered her as “our defender and protector”, according to KREM2.

“She’s tough and fair. The quintessential middle child,” her sister Aliea told the TV station on behalf of the family. “She did absolutely everything she had in mind. She didn’t hold back on love, fights or life. Kaylee was the ultimate go-getter and constantly wanted an adventure.”

Causes of death related to the homicide investigation have yet to be released as details surrounding the case remain scarce.

“Currently, there is no one in custody,” police said in a statement.

“Moscow police do not believe there is an ongoing community risk based on information gathered during the preliminary investigation.”

Moscow Mayor Art Bettge told The New York Times on Monday November 14 that there was no danger to the general public, but did not say how the victims were killed or whether a suspect was at large. .

“With a crime of this magnitude, it’s very difficult to solve,” Bettge said, noting that cops need time to figure out what happened, according to the Times.

Bettge also reportedly said, “The overall assessment is that it’s a crime of passion.”