MOSCOW, ID – Homicide investigators in Moscow have received more than 16,000 tips during their investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students in mid-November. Autopsies determined that Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kernolde’s boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, were stabbed to death with a fixed-blade knife. Two other people were home at the time but were not injured and reportedly did not hear the murders. No suspect has been identified and the murder weapon has not been found.
Moscow Police Chief Jim Fry says investigators have received 7,600 email tips, 4,300 phone tips, and 4,500 digital tips so far.
Meanwhile, Fry says there have been some questions regarding the leadership in this investigation.
Investigators are also sifting through 22,000 registered 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantras that fit into the search criteria for the white model which they are looking for. Tips led law enforcement to ask the public for additional help in searching for the car which they say was in the immediate area of the King Road residence during the murders of four University of Idaho students in the early morning hours of November 13th.
From MPD:
Watch a video update from the Moscow Police Department: https://youtu.be/8IDx5sByKeY
- “There have been numerous questions about leadership in this investigation. Let me be clear, this is the Moscow Police Departments’ investigation, and I am the Chief of Police. The decisions are mine and mine alone. I have an excellent Command Staff, with over 90 years of combined experience, overseeing the investigation’s daily operation, and I select who runs the investigative teams,” said Moscow Police Chief James Fry. “We are supported by highly trained and experienced personnel from the Idaho State Police and the FBI. Their continued resources and knowledge are vital to our success. Our investigative units work under a unified structure and have the autonomy to move forward and solve this case. Despite statements about my team, we remain focused on solving the murder of four students to seek justice for them, their families and to help our community heal.”
- Investigators continue processing and working through more than 7,650 emailed tips, 4,313 phone tips, 4,583 digital media submissions, and have conducted over 250 interviews. Investigators believe someone has information that adds context to what occurred on the night of the murders and continue requesting additional pictures, video, and social media content. Our focus remains on the investigation, not an individual’s activities displayed in the tip. Whether you believe it is significant or not, your information might be one of the puzzle pieces that help solve these murders.
- Digital submission of tips and leads will not be publicly disclosed due to our ongoing commitment to keep information private and details may be pertinent to the ongoing criminal investigation.
- Investigators are aware of a Hyundai Elantra located in Eugene, Oregon. We are working with the local jurisdiction to determine if the vehicle is related to our case.
- As required by law, several Moscow Police body camera videos were requested and released through the public records request process. The original release of any video by this agency is the official version, and circulated videos cannot be verified as authentic or unedited.
- Rumor Control: Another video, believed to be taken on the night of the murders at a local downtown business, is known to investigators. Investigators have identified an individual called “Adam” in the video and he is cooperating with detectives.
- Progress continues to locate the white 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra believed to be in the immediate area of the King Road residence during the early morning hours of November 13th. Investigators believe the occupant(s) may have critical information to share regarding this case and have identified over 22,000 vehicles. If you know of, or own, a vehicle matching this description, or know of anyone who may have been driving this specific vehicle on the days preceding or the day of the murders, please forward that information to the Tip Line.
- No suspect(s) has been identified and only vetted information that does not hinder the investigation will be released to the public. We encourage referencing official releases for accurate and updated progress. All press releases and related information is available at: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/1064/King-Street-Homicide .
- Updates will be provided when new information is available for release.
