Idaho Murder Suspect Caught

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A vigil was held at the University of Idaho in honor of the victims.

Veronica Ramos, Staff Writer

The case that has shaken the small town of Moscow, Idaho and the nation has finally found its culprit. Bryan Kohberger, a 28 year old student at Washington State University, was taken into custody and is being charged with four counts of first-degree murder for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. 

On November 13, 2022, tragedy struck when the four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death at their off-campus house. According to CBS, the pair of roommates had been out the night before separately and arrived home shortly after 2 am. In recent updates, details have emerged that Xana had received a Doordash order at 4 am and was on TikTok until 4:12. According to one of the surviving roommates, she heard crying coming from Xana’s room and a male voice said, “It’s ok, I’m going to help you.” She allegedly opened her bedroom door and the male suspect walked right past her, out the back door.  She described him as having bushy eyebrows, athletic but not muscular, and being about 5’10.

Police began to identify Kohberger as the suspect through surveillance footage. They saw his white Hyundai Elantra at the scene of the crime on camera footage and then traced his travel route back to Pullman, Washington, where the suspect resided. It has been recently revealed that the police received hundreds of tips in regards to a possible stalker Kalyee Goncalves was rumored to have, and that he followed the three female victims on Instagram and even messaged one. The most incriminating evidence against him, according to the NY Times, is a tan knife sheath found at the scene of the crime which contained DNA connected to trash collected from Kohberger’s home. Apparently, he is eager to be exonerated and claims his innocence.

While the case has seemingly found its culprit, the small town of Moscow, Idaho continues to grieve and look for a motive. The University of Idaho has held numerous vigils as well and the whole community hosted events in the victims’ honor. The four victims were all described as a bright light and were always positive. The school and community have adopted the phrase “Vandal Strong” to show their unity and strength in the face of this tragedy.