Police Identify University Of Idaho Students Believed To Be Victims Of Homicide

Police in Moscow, Idaho, have identified the four University of Idaho students believed to be victims of homicide.

Ethan Chapin, 20; Kaylee GonCalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Madison Mogen, 21, were found dead in an off-campus residence around noon on Sunday after police responded to a call about an unconscious individual.

“The Moscow Police Department and the City of Moscow is deeply saddened for the families of these individuals, fellow students and friends, and our community during this time. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to each and every person affected by this incident,” the Moscow Police Department said in a press release.

The department also noted that details are limited so far in the investigation and that no one has been taken into custody yet, though police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community.

The four students appear to be close friends, with GonCalves and Mogen each graduating from Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The two women had been friends since childhood, according to KXLY. GonCalves was a senior majoring in General Studies while Mogen was a senior majoring in Marketing.

Chapin was originally from Mount Vernon, Washington, but grew up visiting Priest Lake, Idaho, according to KXLY. He was majoring in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management. The final victim, Kernodle, was a junior majoring in Marketing. Just two weeks before their deaths, Kernodle posted a photo on social media wishing Chapin a happy birthday, writing “life is so much better with you in it, love you!”

Kernodle and Mogen also worked together at the restaurant Mad Greek, which released a statement offering condolences.

“It is with a broken heart and deep sadness to share with you that we have lost two of our own here at Mad Greek,” the restaurant said in a statement posted to Twitter. “Xana and Maddie have been servers here for several years and brought so much joy to our restaurant and all of those they encountered.”

The restaurant announced that it shut its doors “to process and grieve” before offering condolences to all the victims.

Moscow Mayor Art Bettge also released a statement regarding the death.

“I am deeply saddened by the events that occurred on November 13th which claimed the lives of four of our community members. It is impossible to understand the senselessness of events like this, and we all are seeking answers that are not yet available,” Bettge said in a press release. “Our hearts and thoughts are with not only the victims and their families, but also their broader circle of friends, and the entire University of Idaho community.”