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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Liam Buckler

Police chief vows murder probe of four friends massacred in house won’t go cold

The police chief in charge of the University of Idaho murder probe has promised the investigation won't go cold - despite not having a suspect.

James Fry, head of Moscow Police Department, in the US, gave an emotional interview yesterday insisting the force is still going through vital evidence to find the killer responsible for the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and her boyfriend, Ethan Chapin on November 13.

But despite more than 2,600 email tip-offs and 2,700 calls to the police there is still no suspect or murder weapon.

He told Fox News: "This case is not going cold. We have tips coming in. We have investigators out every day interviewing people. We’re still reviewing evidence. We’re still looking at all aspects of this.

“And I said early on that no stone will go unturned. And I mean that. We are going to continue. This case is not going cold.”

Moscow police chief James Fry gave an emotional interview in which he promised the investigation wouldn't go cold (Fox News)

The university town has seen up to 40% of students stay away from campus following the horrific stabbings with the murderer still on the loose.

And on Wednesday, Mr Fry confirmed officers would remove some of the personal possessions of the students left in the house, which aren't needed for their investigation.

He said the items would transferred in a lorry and driven to a "secure location" until loved ones can collect the belongings - with the transfer done as discreetly as possible out of respect for the victims' families.

The police chief wanted the families to have a few of the “fond memories” of their loved ones back.

Madison Mogen, right, and Kaylee Goncalves (Instagram)
The four slain students - Madison, 21, top left, Kaylee, 21, bottom left, Ethan Chapin, 20, centre, and Xana Kernodle, 20, right (Instagram)

He said: "It’s time for us to get those things back that really mean something to those families and hopefully to help with some of their healing."

Moscow police confirmed the house would still remain an active crime scene - despite some items being moved to the families victims.

Mr Fry has drawn criticism from members of the victims' families after police were accused of putting out mixed-messaging during the initial investigation.

A wreath hangs outside the house where the four students were killed (Ted S Warren/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

They first said the victims were targeted and then claimed the community wasn't in danger.

Families have become so frustrated with the lack of progress in the case one of them has hired a private investigator to look into the stabbings.

In a rare show of emotion, Mr Fry admitted the criticism levelled towards officers has been hurtful.

He admitted: “I’m a dad with daughters. And that’s tough. We’re human. We don’t go to these and just turn it off. It affects us.

"But we have a job to do. And we’re going to continue to do that job and we’re going to continue to push forward.”

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