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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rachel Sharp

Homicide investigation launched after four University of Idaho students found dead in off-campus home

NBC

Four University of Idaho students found dead near the campus on Sunday have been identified.

The Moscow Police Department named the four students on Monday 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. 

Police were called to an address in King Road just before midday on Sunday where they found the bodies of the four students.

Police believe the deaths were as a result of homicide, but have not released any information about how the students died.

In a statement, Moscow police said no suspects had been arrested, but they did not believe there was an “ongoing community risk” based on their preliminary investigation.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to each and every person affected by this incident,” the statement read.

The campus was placed into lockdown on Sunday afternoon as the University of Idaho issued an alert to students to stay away from the area and shelter in place.

Madison Mogen, left, and Kaylee Goncalves were among the four University of Idaho homicide victims (Kaylee Goncalves / Instagram)

The threat was lifted several hours later, but university officials warned students to remain “vigilant”.

In a post on social media, President Scott Green said Monday classes would be cancelled “out of respect for these fellow Vandals”, a reference to the school mascot.

Mr Green urged any students who were left traumatised by the tragedy to seek counselling.

“An event of this magnitude can understandably have significant impacts on those left behind. As Vandals, we must come together and lift each other up,” he said.

The Moscow Fire Department chief Brian Nickerson told the Idaho Statesman his officers were also dispatched to a medical call at the property on Sunday.

By the time they arrived, police had already entered the property and located the students’ bodies.

The deaths came on the same day that three University of Virginia students were allegedly shot dead by a fellow student. Two others wounded in the shooting on campus.

Suspect Christopher Darnell Jones was arrested 12 hours later after going on the run.

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