University of Idaho beefs up security at fraternity and sorority houses as students fear returning to campus
This article is based on sources and MEAWW cannot verify this information independently
MOSCOW, IDAHO: In light of the recent killings of four University of Idaho students at Moscow City, the varsity authorities have announced that the campus will have more visible security for the next few weeks until the end of the fall semester.
Recently, the university’s Instagram page stories had a statement that read, “Increased security will be onsite for the remainder of the semester.” It also informed the students about facilities such as Safe Walk and Safe Ride, according to reports by FOX News. Security has been increased around fraternity and sorority houses near the campus, according to Inside Edtion. The four students -- Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20 and Xana Kernodle, 20 -- were found murdered at an off-campus housing on King Road, which is located closely to the college.
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This security update from the university authorities comes after a press conference where the President of the University of Idaho, Scott Green, had ensured the public that students’ safety will always be their top priority. He also mentioned taking measures to cater to the needs of students who don’t yet feel comfortable about coming back, because of the murders. They are being offered the option to complete their fall semester online at the comfort of their homes, if they choose not to come back after the Thanksgiving holidays.
"We're making security our top priority. We're also planning for the very real possibility that some students aren't comfortable returning to campus. We will do our best to meet the needs of all students," Green said.
This comes amid a rising number of 911 calls from the local community of Moscow. All the residents of the area seem to be on edge given the nature of the killing and there is real unrest among the people. FOX News reported that there have been 78 unusual circumstance-related calls and another 36 requests for the authorities to perform a welfare checks. "We understand there is a sense of fear within our community," police said. "For life-safety and emergencies, we want to remind our community to call 9-1-1 before notifying family or friends."
There have been many new updates about the progression of the investigations for the case, what with the police recently confirming that the 911 call alerting the authorities was made on one of the roommates’ cell phones at 11:58 am on Sunday morning. They have also zeroed in on a type of murder weapon. The police believe that the stabbing was done using a ‘fixed-blade knife,’ and have stated that all of them had multiple stab wounds.