Moscow, ID- (Release from Moscow Police Department) Detectives are releasing that on the morning of November 13th, the surviving roommates summoned friends to the residence because they believed one of the second-floor victims had passed out and was not waking up. At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call requested aid for an unconscious person. The call originated from inside the residence on one of the surviving roommates’ cell phone. Multiple people talked with the 911 dispatcher before a Moscow Police officer arrived at the location. Officers entered the residence and found the four victims on the second and third floors. At this time in the investigation, detectives do not believe any individual at the residence, when 911 was called, is involved in this crime.
Rumors and speculation continue circulating about the ongoing investigation. MPD cautions the public not to rely on rumors and remains committed to keeping the public informed. We urge reliance on official channels for accurate information.
TIPS: Detectives are looking for context to the events and people involved in these murders. Anyone who observed notable behavior, has video surveillance, or can provide relevant information is asked to call the Tip Line at 208-883-7180 or email [email protected].
Original Information:
On the evening of November 12th, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were at a local bar called The Corner Club at 202 N. Main Street, in downtown Moscow, between 10 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. on November 13th. At approximately 1:40 a.m., Kaylee and Madison were seen on video at a local food vendor called the “Grub Truck” at 318 S. Main Street and used a private party for a ride home from downtown to arrive at their 1122 King Road residence at 1:45 a.m.
Investigators have determined that Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle were seen at the Sigma Chi house on the University of Idaho Campus at 735 Nez Perce Drive. At approximately 1:45 a.m., Ethan and Xana are believed to have returned to the residence at 1122 King Road. It was previously reported that Ethan resided at the home, however, it has been determined that he was only visiting.
Detectives believe that on November 12th, the two surviving roommates had also been out in the Moscow community, separately, but returned home by 1 a.m. on November 13th. The two did not wake up until later that morning.
On November 13th, at 11:58 a.m., a 911 call requested aid for an unconscious person. The call originated from inside the residence on one of the surviving roommates’ cell phone. Moscow Police Department responded to the residence and found the four victims on the second and third floors.
Autopsies were conducted on November 17th. The Latah County Coroner confirmed the identity of the four murdered individuals and their cause and manner of death as homicide by stabbing. The coroner stated the four victims were likely asleep, some had defensive wounds, and each was stabbed multiple times. There was no sign of sexual assault.
Detectives are seeking all outside surveillance video taken from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2022, from businesses and residences within the geographical area listed below. Detectives request all available videos – whether there appears to be motion and content or not.
- West Taylor
- West Palouse River
- Highway 95 south to the 2700 block of Highway 95
- Arboretum & Botanical
Additionally, detectives seek additional tips and surveillance video of any observed suspicious behavior on the night of November 12th into the early hours of November 13th while Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were in downtown Moscow and when Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle were at the Sigma Chi house. Anyone who observed suspicious behavior near these areas or has video surveillance are asked to submit their tips.
At this time in the investigation, detectives do not believe the following are involved in this crime:
- Two surviving roommates,
- Male in the Grub Truck surveillance video, or
- Private party driver who took Kaylee and Madison home on November 13th
Additional information related to the investigation:
- The identity of the 911 caller has not been released.
- Investigators are aware of multiple phone calls from victims Madison and Kaylee to a male.
- Online reports of the victims being tied and gagged are not accurate.
- Detectives seized the contents of three dumpsters on King Road to locate possible evidence.
- Local businesses were contacted to determine if a fixed-blade knife had been recently purchased.
- Currently, no suspects are in custody, and no weapon has been located.
To date, nearly 600 tips have been received. All tips are processed, vetted, investigated, and cleared. Thirty-eight interviews have been conducted with individuals who may have information about the murders.
The Moscow Police Department is utilizing assistance from the Idaho State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Latah County Sheriff’s Office.
Moscow Police Department:
- 4 Detectives
- 24 Patrol Officers
- 5 Support Staff
Federal Bureau of In Investigators:
- 22 investigators in Moscow
- 20 assigned agents located out of Treasure Valley, ID, Salt Lake City, Utah, and West Virginia
- 2 Behavior Analysis Unit
Idaho State Police:
- 20 investigators
- 15 troopers
- Public Information Officer
- ISP Forensics Services and mobile crime scene team
- 15 uniformed troopers to assist with community patrols
Anyone who observed suspicious behavior, has video surveillance, or can provide relevant information about these murders, is asked to call the Tip Line at 208-883-7180 or email [email protected].
The Moscow Police Department thanks our community for their continued support, understanding of the limited information we can share, and patience during this difficult time.
