Idaho mayor pushing police to address public on college killings
Moscow, Idaho Mayor Art Bettge gives an update on the investigation into the killing of four University of Idaho students.
The parents of Ethan Chapin, a 20-year-old University of Idaho student killed in a quadruple homicide near campus over the weekend, say they are frustrated by the "lack of information" from the school and police.
Authorities in Moscow, Idaho, have not announced any potential suspects since the incident took place, leaving community members on edge after the four victims were murdered with what police have described as a knife-like weapon in an "isolated, targeted attack."
"There is a lack of information from the University of Idaho and the local police, which only fuels false rumors and innuendo in the press and social media," Jim Chapin, the victim's father, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "The silence further compounds our family’s agony after our son’s murder. For Ethan and his three dear friends slain in Moscow, Idaho, and all of our families, I urge officials to speak the truth, share what they know, find the assailant, and protect the greater community."
Chapin, who was one of three triplets born on Oct. 29, 2002, who all attended the university, "lit up every room he walked into and was a kind, loyal, loving son, brother, cousin, and friend," his mother, Stacy Chapin, said in a statement.
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO MURDERS TIMELINE: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE SLAUGHTER OF FOUR STUDENTS
Brothers Hunter, left, and Ethan Chapin pose in their Sigma Chi shirts. Hunter posted the photo to Instagram in a tribute to Ethan, who was found murdered near the University of Idaho campus Sunday. (Instagram)
"Words cannot express the heartache and devastation our family is experiencing. It breaks my heart to know we will never be able to hug or laugh with Ethan again, but it’s also excruciating to think about the horrific way he was taken from us," she said.
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO VICTIMS BELIEVED STABBED TO DEATH IN ‘ISOLATED, TARGETED ATTACK': POLICE
Dean of Students Blaine Eckles said in a Tuesday notice to the school community that "a great number of students have already left the Moscow campus" early ahead of Thanksgiving break after the quadruple homicide. A candlelight vigil for the four victims was postponed until after break.
The front of the home where four University of Idaho students were killed, Nov. 15, 2022. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Eckles added that the students' deaths have "had a profound impact on their families and friends," and the school stands "with them in their grief." Eckles encouraged students to communicate their plans with professors.
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO HOMICIDES: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE 4 VICTIMS ALLEGEDLY KILLED NEAR CAMPUS
The school and police have said there is no threat to the community at this time, but the school community is still concerned without a suspect in custody.
Investigators search a home in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, where four University of Idaho students were killed over the weekend. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Officers at the scene said investigators found blood inside the home on King Road where the incident took place either late Saturday or early Sunday.
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO HOMICIDES PROMPT A ‘GREAT NUMBER’ OF STUDENTS TO LEAVE CAMPUS EARLY
Neighbors reported hearing noise from the house Saturday evening but said it sounded like a party rather than an altercation.
Police oversee the removal of trash in front of the home where four University of Idaho students were killed over the weekend, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Moscow officers responded to reports of an unconscious person Sunday around noon and located the four deceased students upon arrival. Parties are frequently hosted at the many student houses on King Road, which was littered with empty alcohol boxes and other items on Monday and Tuesday.
IDAHO POLICE NAME 4 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS KILLED IN APPARENT QUADRUPLE HOMICIDE NEAR CAMPUS
The victims are Chapin of Conway, Washington; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Avondale, Arizona; 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)
Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves shared multiple photos together on social media. (Instagram/ @kayleegoncalves)
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The four victims' autopsies are scheduled to be completed later this week, at which point police will "hopefully provide more definitive information on the exact cause of the deaths," the Moscow Police Department said Tuesday.
Local authorities have partnered with state and federal law enforcement offices on the case and are asking anyone with information to contact the Moscow police at 208-883-7054.
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