Investigators still working to identify suspect in murder of Idaho college students
‘In Pursuit with John Walsh’ co-host Callahan Walsh on the ongoing investigation of who murdered four Idaho college students
MOSCOW, Idaho – The Moscow, Idaho, community – already on edge over a week after four college students were found stabbed to death – is questioning the legitimacy of a new report about a man who chased two women before they called the police.
The Moscow Report, a local news blog, described a "reader report" from Monday evening. According to the blog, "two young women left a residence on Blaine street around 5:15 pm this evening, and went towards their car, where they spotted a man in the front seat, who proceeded to exit and chase them."
The women then reportedly ran away and called 911, and the man left the area. According to the report, police were unable to find the man, whom the blog described as being "an overweight white male in a yellow shirt with dirty blonde to brown hair, and a scruffy beard."
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The Moscow Police Department said later that night that officers had investigated the incident "and determined there was no crime and the incident was unfounded."
In a press release disseminated on Tuesday, police received a call about "suspicious activity" just before 5:15 p.m. They said neighbors went to check on the girls after hearing screaming.
"They checked the area but did not find anyone. The neighbors told responding officers that they had not seen anyone in or exit the vehicle," police said. "A passerby informed the sisters of seeing a male chasing them and left before speaking with officers. They were unable to confirm these details, and the officer was unaware of this information during the time of the call."
Police canvassed the area and interviewed a man who matched the physical description, but "learned he and a friend had just returned from a restaurant."
The man "approached the sisters to help," police said. He then "withdrew and waited to talk with officers when accused of being involved."
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Investigators fly a drone over the home in Moscow, Idaho, on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, where a quadruple murder took place last weekend. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Police described an "unfounded" call as being the term "used to close an incident that cannot be initially substantiated. However, if additional information is obtained, the incident can be reopened."
They asked residents to remain vigilant, but cautioned them against speculation that Monday's scare could be linked to the murders.
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Moscow Police received a call shortly before noon on Nov. 13 for a report of an "unconscious person" at the King Road home. Several other people had gathered at the address by the time police arrived, officials said
Police have named the four victims of an apparent quadruple homicide near the University of Idaho as Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee GonCalves. (Moscow City Police Department/Instagram)
The four University of Idaho students were slain in the second and third floors of their home between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, after they spent the night out.
University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, 20; Xana Kernodle, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21. (Jazzmin Kernodle via AP/Instagram/ @kayleegoncalves)
The victims were identified as Ethan Chapin, 20, of Conway, Washington; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Avondale, Arizona; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum, Idaho.
Two other roommates were inside the home, on the bottom floor, at the time of the murders, but were uninjured.
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Police have not identified any suspects, but have said they have been able to tentatively rule people out.
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The victims are all believed to have been asleep when they were attacked, though some showed signs of defensive wounds. Each victim was stabbed several times, and showed no signs that they were sexually assaulted. They are all believed to have been killed using a single knife.
A quadruple murder is being investigated in Idaho. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
MPD officials are asking the public to share "all outside surveillance video taken from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday November 13, 2022, from businesses and residences within" a specific area. A map of the area in question is below.
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Moscow Police Capt. Roger Lanier said Sunday that investigators had received 646 tips since the attack, and have since conducted over 90 interviews.
A quadruple murder is being investigated in Idaho. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
A manhunt continues for the person or people involved in the attack. Police are asking anyone with information or footage related to the slayings to call 208-883-7180 or tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.
Fox News' Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.
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