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King Road Homicides
CRIME TIPS
Detectives are looking for context to the events and people involved in these murders. To assist with the ongoing investigation, any odd or out-of-the-ordinary events that took place should be reported. Our focus is the investigation, not the activities. Your information, whether you believe it is significant or not, might be the piece of the puzzle that helps investigators solve these murders.
- Telephone: 208-883-7180
- Email: tipline@ci.moscow.id.us
- Digital Media: fbi.gov/moscowidaho
NEWS RELEASES
- 01-03-2023 Moscow Homicide case nondissemination order
- Nondissemination Order
- 01-03-23 Homicide Investigation and court processes update
- 01-03-2023 Court Order Attachement
- 12-30-22 Arrest Made In Moscow Homicides
- 12-30-2022 Press Conference Announcement
- 12-29-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-27-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-22-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-24-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-20-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-07-22 Moscow Police Ask for Community's Help
- 11-20-22 Media & Community Advisory
- 11-22-22 Blaine Street Incident
- 11-18-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-17-22 Latah Coroner Press Release
- 11-16-22 Moscow Press Conference Streaming Link
- 11-14-22 Updated Contact Information for City of Moscow Homicide
- 11-14-22 Mayor Bettge Expresses Condolences to the Community
- 11-13-22 City of Moscow Homicide Victims
- 11-15-22 Moscow Homicide Investigation
- 11-15-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-03-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-02-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-01-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-30-22 - Moscow Homicide Update - Clarification
- 11-30-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-29-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-28-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-27-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-25-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-23-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-22-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-21-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-20-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-19-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 11-19-22 Moscow Video Collection Map
- 12-19-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-16-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-15-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-07-22 Stock photos of white 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra
- 12-08-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-09-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-10-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-12-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-13-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-06-22 Moscow Homicide Update
- 12-05-22 Moscow Homicide Update
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Latest Video Update
Prior Messages & Updates
SUMMARY
On the evening of November 12th, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were at a local bar called 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 around 1:56 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, 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 was made from one of the surviving roommates’ cell phones inside the residence. Multiple people talked with the 911 dispatcher before Moscow Police arrived at the location. Officers entered the residence and found two victims on the second floor and two victims on the third floor.
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.
ASSIGNED RESOURCES
The Moscow Police Department is utilizing assistance from the Idaho State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Latah County Sheriff’s Office. Assigned resources vary based on the current needs of the investigation. These numbers are approximated and do not reflect additional off-site personnel or other assistance provided.
Moscow Police Department:
- 6 Detectives
- 5 Support Staff
- Communications Team
Federal Bureau of Investigation:
- 60 personnel throughout the United States
- 2 Behavior Analysis Unit investigators
Idaho State Police:
- 13 investigators in Moscow
- 15 uniformed troopers assisting with community patrols
- ISP Forensics Services
Frequently Asked Questions
- Investigators are aware of a Hyundai Elantra located in Eugene, Oregon. We are working with the local jurisdiction to determine if the vehicle is related to our case.
- As required by law, several Moscow Police body camera videos were requested and released through the public records request process. The original release of any video by this agency is the official version, and circulated videos cannot be verified as authentic or unedited.
- Another video, believed to be taken on the night of the murders at a local downtown business, is known to investigators. Investigators have identified an individual called “Adam” in the video and he is cooperating with detectives.
- There has been extensive media interest regarding an incident at Taylor Avenue and Band Field on November 13, 2022, at 3:01 a.m. This incident was an alcohol offense which was addressed by the on-scene officer. This call is not related to the murder investigations. For further details regarding this incident, a Moscow Police Department Public Records Request can be submitted referencing incident number 22-MO9896.
- We have not changed our belief that the murders were a targeted attack. However, investigators have not concluded if the target was the residence or its occupants.
- There have been media questions about a September 12th, 2022, incident regarding an argument between a group of people walking on the University of Idaho bike path and a cyclist. It was reported that during the confrontation, the cyclist displayed a folding knife. Both parties dispersed, and there were no injuries. The cyclist turned himself into the police. The case was investigated and misdemeanor charges were referred to the Moscow City Attorney’s Office. There is no connection between the individual involved in this incident and the current murder investigations.
- There have been media questions regarding a February 2022, death on Baker St. The Latah County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the death was due to an overdose. This case is not related to the ongoing murder investigation.
- There have been online reports of a red Mustang on S. Deakin St. being processed as part of the murder investigation. This information is not accurate, and the vehicle is not connected to this incident.
- The identity of the 911 caller has not been released.
- There have been numerous media inquiries about a 1999 double stabbing in Pullman, Washington, and the 2021 double stabbing (with one death) in Salem, Oregon. While these cases share similarities with the King Street homicides, there does not appear to be any evidence to support the cases are related.
- Detectives are aware of a Latah County Sheriff’s Office incident of the report of a skinned dog but do not believe there is any evidence to support it is related to this incident. Contact Latah County Sheriff’s Office for further details.
- Detectives are also aware of a Moscow Police incident of the report of deceased animals left on a resident’s property. This was determined to be wildlife activity and not related to the murders.
- Online reports of the victims being tied and gagged are not accurate.
- Detectives are aware of a sixth person listed on the lease at the residence. They have spoken to this individual and confirmed they moved out prior to the start of the school year and were not present at the time of the incident. Detectives do not believe this person has any involvement in the murders.
- As detectives move forward with the homicide investigation, a private security company has been contracted to provide scene security to free up patrol resources. The scene remains under police control.
- Idaho State Police Forensic Services crime lab scientists have worked on this case for weeks and have provided testing and analysis results to detectives. As they complete additional tests, those results will also be provided. To protect the investigation’s integrity, specific results will not be released.
- As part of the ongoing homicide investigation and original search warrant, detectives relocated five vehicles from within the police perimeter to a more secure long-term storage location to continue processing evidence.
- Currently, no suspects are in custody, and no weapon has been located.
- On the night of the incident, officers located a dog at the residence. The dog was unharmed, turned over to Animal Services, and later released to a responsible party.
- Local businesses were contacted to determine if a fixed-blade knife had been recently purchased.
- Detectives seized the contents of three dumpsters on King Road to locate possible evidence.
- Gov. Brad Little directed up to $1 million in state emergency funds for the ongoing investigation
- Throughout the investigation, detectives have collected the following:
- Over 7,650 emails through tipline@ci.moscow.id.us
- More than 4,313 calls to the Tip Line at 208-883-7180
- Over 4,583 digital media submissions to the FBI link
- Conducted over 250 interviews
- 113 pieces of physical evidence
- Approximately 4,000 crime scene photographs
- Multiple three-dimensional scans of the residence
Using tips and leads, investigators have identified an incident involving Kaylee at a local business, which may have been the stalker reference she made to friends and family. In mid-October, two males were seen inside a local business; they parted ways, and one male appeared to follow Kaylee inside the business and as she exited to walk toward her car. The male turned away, and it did not appear he made any contact with her. Detectives contacted both males and learned the two were attempting to meet women at the business, this was corroborated through additional investigation. Based on available information, detectives believe this was an isolated incident and not an ongoing pattern of stalking. No evidence suggests the two males were involved in the murders.
Investigators continue looking into information about Kaylee having a stalker. Information about a potential stalker or unusual occurrences should go through the Tip Line.
- Telephone: 208-883-7180
- Email: tipline@ci.moscow.id.us
- Digital Media: fbi.gov/moscowidaho
Anytime there is a crime against a person, there is a potential danger to the general public. However, detectives believe these murders were targeted. As always, stay vigilant and look out for one another.
We have clarified comments made by Latah County Prosecutor Thompson, who said the suspect(s) specifically looked at this residence, and that one or more of the occupants were undoubtedly targeted. We remain consistent in our belief that this was indeed a targeted attack but have not concluded if the target was the residence or its occupants.
At this time, there are no named suspects, no arrests and no weapon has been found.
- Two surviving roommates,
- Male in the Grub Truck surveillance video,
- Private party driver who took Kaylee and Madison home on November 13th,
- The male Kaylee and Madison called numerous times during the early morning hours of November 13th,
- Any individual at the residence when 911 was called,
- The individual on the lease who moved out of the residence before the school year started and was not present at the time of the incident,
- The male (or his friend) who was thought to be a possible stalker and followed Kaylee into the parking lot of a local business in October of 2021, or
- The female associate professor and chair of the history department at the University of Idaho suing a TikTok user for defamation.
There is speculation without factual backing, stoking community fears and spreading false facts. We encourage referencing official releases for accurate information and updated progress.
On 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 was made from one of the surviving roommates’ cell phones inside the residence. Multiple people talked with the 911 dispatcher before Moscow Police arrived at the location. Officers entered the residence and found two victims on the second floor and two victims on the third floor.
Detectives continue investigating what occurred from approximately 9 p.m. on November 12th to 1:45 a.m. on November 13th, when Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle were believed to be at the Sigma Chi house on the University of Idaho Campus at 735 Nez Perce Drive. Any interactions, contacts, direction and method of travel, or anything abnormal could add context to what occurred.
Detectives are seeking all outside surveillance video taken from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 13th, from businesses and residences within the geographical area listed below:
- West Taylor Ave (north boundary)
- West Palouse River Dr (south boundary)
- Highway 95 south to the 2700 block of Highway 95 S (east boundary)
- Arboretum & Botanical Garden (west boundary)
Detectives are also seeking additional tips and surveillance video of any unusual behavior on the night of November 12th into the early hours of November 13th while Kaylee and Madison were in downtown Moscow and while Ethan and Xana were at the Sigma Chi house.
Investigators have looked extensively into information received about Kaylee having a stalker. They have pursued hundreds of pieces of information related to this topic but have not verified or identified a stalker.
Detectives request all information, tips, pictures, and available videos – whether there appears to be motion and content or not – from anyone who observed unusual behavior near the designated areas or who has information about a potential stalker or unusual occurrences involving Kaylee.
- Telephone: 208-883-7180
- Email: tipline@ci.moscow.id.us
- Digital Media: fbi.gov/moscowidaho
There have been numerous requests about the dog found at the residence on the morning of November 13th. Arriving officers entered the residence and found the deceased victims. During the search of the home, a dog was found in a room where the crimes had not been committed. Officers did not find any evidence on the dog and there was no indication the animal had entered the crime scene. The dog was taken to Animal Services and released to a responsible person.
While the dog was in the house when officers arrived, it has not been determined where the dog was physically located when the murders took place.
- Telephone: 208-883-7180
- Email: tipline@ci.moscow.id.us
- Digital Media: fbi.gov/moscowidaho
Detectives are aware of a Latah County Sheriff’s Office incident of the report of a skinned dog and have determined it is unrelated to this incident. Contact Latah County Sheriff’s Office for further details.
Detectives are also aware of a Moscow Police incident of the report of deceased animals left on a resident’s property. This was determined to be wildlife activity and unrelated to the incident.
Forensic evidence was collected from the crime scene and is currently being processed. The test results will be used by detectives to assist in the investigation. As this is a criminal matter, much of the evidence will not be released to the public.
Moscow Police Department:
- 4 Detectives
- 24 Patrol Officers
- Support Staff
Federal Bureau of Investigation:
- 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
- Public Information Officer
- ISP Forensics Services and mobile crime scene team
- 15 uniformed troopers to assist with community patrols
CITY OF MOSCOW NEWS RELEASES
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City of Moscow Water System Flushing October 9th through 20th
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October Artwalk Registration Open
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Palouse Plein Air Painting Exhibition Opens at the Third Street Gallery
The City of Moscow and the Moscow Arts Commission announce the opening of the Palouse Plein Air exhibition, available for public viewing at the Third Street Gallery from 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 21 through October 6, 2023. Read on...