FBI investigators have returned to the home in Moscow, Idaho, where four University of Idaho students were tragically killed last November. The students, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin, lost their lives in a horrific event that shocked the community. Bryan Kohberger, a former Washington State University criminology graduate student, has been charged with their murders.
The trial for Kohberger was originally scheduled for October, but it was delayed when he waived his right to a speedy trial during a court hearing in August. As a result, the prosecution and investigators have requested access to the crime scene to gather documentation for visual and audio exhibits. The FBI is also planning to create a physical model of the home where the students were killed.
The University of Idaho has granted permission for the FBI to enter the property and gather the necessary evidence. The extended timeline allows the FBI to take their own measurements and images now that the personal belongings have been removed from the premises. This additional information will assist in constructing accurate visual displays for the trial.
Families of the victims and survivors have been notified of the decision to re-enter the home, as well as Kohberger’s defense team. However, the university still intends to demolish the house in the future and replace it with a “healing garden.” This decision has faced criticism from attorney Shanon Gray, who represents Kaylee Goncalves’ family. Gray believes that the house holds critical evidence that is vital to the case.
The FBI’s return to the crime scene signifies the ongoing efforts to seek justice for the victims and bring closure to their families. The construction of visual and audio exhibits, along with a physical model of the home, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the events that took place. The trial for Bryan Kohberger will proceed with a stronger evidentiary foundation, ensuring that justice is served for the lives lost in this tragic incident.
