MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

'Makes me want to weep': Internet gets emotional as University of Idaho victims will receive posthumous degrees

The four deceased students will be awarded their certificates during the university's graduation ceremony on May 13, 2023

This article is based on sources and we have been unable to verify this information independently.

MOSCOW, IDAHO: The University of Idaho will reportedly award posthumous degrees to slain students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. Suspect Bryan Kohberger, 28, has been accused of fatally stabbing the four students in their off-campus three-story rented home on November 13, 2022. He was arrested in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, on December 30, 2022.

The deceased students will be awarded their certificates during the university's graduation ceremony on May 13. Best friends Kaylee and Madison will receive a marketing degree and general studies degree, respectively. The two were seniors preparing to graduate. Ethan was a freshman and will be awarded a certificate in recreation, sport, and tourism management. Xana, who was a junior, will get a certificate in marketing, Washington Examiner reported. 

RELATED ARTICLES

'He didn't f*****g deserve it': Ethan Chapin's pal says slain student was 'blossoming with opportunity'

Internet in tears as Kaylee Goncalves' family shares photos of ex-BF Jack DuCoeur with pet Murphy and niece MaddieKay

'I love that they are doing this'

Social media users reacted to the emotional news, with one of them saying, "Oh this makes me want to weep." Another said, "Well-deserved tribute. Their lives were ended prematurely by a loser. Hopefully this brings their families some semblance of peace." "Bitter sweet. God bless the families and may they continue to rest peacefully," one user wrote.

One user said, "I just walked for my sport management degree on Saturday. Wow. This really hits home," while another wrote, "I love that they are doing this". "This is so heartbreaking . They should be here to receive them . #justiceforidaho4," wrote a user.

Bethany Funke fights subpoena forcing her to testify for Bryan Kohberger's defense

Meanwhile, Bethany Funke, one of the roommates of the Idaho victims, is reportedly fighting a subpoena that would force her to testify as part of Kohberger's defense. The 21-year-old filed a motion to dismiss a subpoena filed by Kohberger's attorneys to the district court in Washoe County, Nevada.

The suspect's attorneys have claimed that Funke's testimony is important as it could clear the murder charges against Kohberger. However, it is unclear what claims made by Funke could lead to this result. Funke has denied having any information that could clear Kohberger. Her lawyers have said the defense's claims are “without support.”

While some reports have claimed that Funke found the bodies of the murdered students, sources close to the victims' families later revealed that she did not witness the crime scene as she never went upstairs.

Funke lived in the house with another roommate named Dylan Mortenson, who is said to have faced Kohberger at the time of the murders. Mortensen, who stayed in a bedroom on the second floor, allegedly saw a man in a mask inside the home around the time the murders are believed to have taken place.

A probable cause affidavit unsealed in January this year said Moetensen opened the door after she heard crying and saw a man with bushy eyebrows, dressed in black, and wearing a mask over his nose and mouth. She heard a male voice saying, "It's ok, I'm going to help you," and she froze and eventually locked herself in her room. Ever since the revelations, Mortensen has been questioned about why she did not immediately call 911.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.