'Healing step': Idaho murder house to be demolished after owner gives property to University
MOSCOW, IDAHO: The home where four University of Idaho students were allegedly killed by Bryan Kohberger on November 13, 2022, will be demolished, the university said on Friday. The decision on Friday, February 24, comes several months after the University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, were murdered inside the home while they slept.
Located at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, Scott Green, the University of Idaho president said in a statement "the owner of the house offered to give the house to the university". Scott said, "The house will be demolished."
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This is a healing step
The President continued stating, "This is a healing step and removes the physical structure where the crime that shook our community was committed." Scott said, "Demolition also removes efforts to further sensationalize the crime scene. We are evaluating options where students may be involved in the future development of the property."
'Healing garden and memorial of the four students'
Scott announced that there will be a "healing garden and memorial of the four students". The university committee, with student representation, "is developing a plan." However, it has been decided that it will be located on the Moscow university campus, but the exact location hasn't been identified yet. "While the memorial will be a focal point of a garden, the garden will also be a place of remembrance of other students we have lost and a place of healing for those left behind."
Scott said, "We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison, and Kaylee, and I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory..."
University has established scholarships in Kernodle, Chapin and Mogen's names
Green said that the scholarship funds grew out of early support for the school. Several alumni "led a peer-driven effort to create scholarships as a legacy for each of the four students," Green explained. The university has established scholarships in Kernodle, Chapin, and Mogen's names. Work is underway to establish a scholarship in Goncalves' name. The scholarships, Green said, will "help future students as they pursue their educational opportunities at the U of I."
'Sometimes it is hard to see beyond this tragedy'
"Sometimes it is hard to see beyond this tragedy. But the selfless acts, the deep engagement, and loving support of our entire Vandal Family reminds me that there is so much good in the world," said Green, referencing the school's mascot. "We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison, and Kaylee, and I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory. Together we will rebuild and continue to support each other. We are #vandalstrong."