Moscow Murders | The journey to justice and healing

11:58 a.m. - The initial 911 call is made

On the morning of Nov. 13, 2022, a 911 call was made to the Moscow Police Department regarding an unconscious person. The call came from the cell phone of someone who lived at a home on King Road, but multiple people talked to the 911 dispatcher before officers arrived.

Police later learned one of the residents asked some of their friends to come to the King Road house because they believed one of their roommates, who was in a bedroom on the second floor, had passed out and was not waking up.

12 p.m. - Officers arrive at 1122 King Road

The first officers arrived at the house shortly after noon on Nov. 13. Upon discovering the door to the home was unlocked, more officers were called out.

Just 30 minutes after the first officers arrived, police entered the house and found the victims' bodies. Xana and Ethan were found on the second floor, and Kaylee and Maddie were found on the third floor.

3 p.m. - News of homicide investigation in Moscow breaks

At approximately 3 p.m., news of a possible homicide investigation in Moscow reached neighboring cities and states. Not much was known about the investigation at that time.

10:37 a.m. - Victims identified as University of Idaho students

Less than 24 hours after the investigation began, police released the identity of the four victims. All four were current students at the University of Idaho.

The victims were identified as:

• Ethan Chapin, 20, of Conway, Wash. He was a freshman at the University of Idaho majoring in recreation, sport and tourism management. He was also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
• Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum, Idaho.  She was a senior at the University of Idaho majoring in general studies, and had a job lined up in Texas. She was also a member of the Alpha Pi sorority.
• Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls, Idaho. She was a junior at the University of Idaho majoring in marketing. She was also a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.
• Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was a senior at the University of Idaho majoring in marketing. She was also a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

RELATED: Remembering Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan

8:29 a.m.- Police identify possible murder weapon

Investigators revealed they believe a knife was used in the attack that killed the four students.

"Although no weapons have been located, based on preliminary information, investigators believe that an edged weapon such as a knife was used," police said in a news release.

It would later be revealed that investigators found a knife sheath next to one of the victim's, which contained the suspects DNA.

6:32 p.m. - Moscow police ask community to be patient during investigation

Two days after the murders, the Moscow Police Department (MPD) sent out a statement addressing community concerns.

"We want you to know that we, like you, have been devastated and distressed by these young lives that were cut short needlessly. We determined early in the investigation that we do not believe there is an ongoing threat for community members," MPD wrote in part. "Evidence indicates that this was a targeted attack. At this time, we have shared every piece of information that we can without compromising the ongoing investigation."

3:30 p.m. - Moscow police hold first press conference after murders

Moscow police remained tight-lipped after the murders, but delivered the first major updates on the investigation three days after the murders.

Moscow Police Chief James Fry, Idaho State Police (ISP) Director Colonel Kedrick Wills and University of Idaho President Scott Green were all present at the press conference.

"The reality is, I probably should have been standing here a day or so ago," Fry said. "But I'm here now. We're going to continue to give you the information we can share about this case."

5 p.m. - Candlelight vigil held in Coeur d'Alene

Whether people personally knew these four University of Idaho students or were just touched by their sudden passing, hundreds gathered in Coeur d'Alene to honor the lives of Maddie, Kaylee, Xana and Ethan.

RELATED: Photos from candlelight vigils held in honor of University of Idaho murder victims

Ethan's funeral in Mount Vernon

On Monday, Nov. 21, Stacy Chapin and her family gathered at the McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center in Mount Vernon to celebrate the life and legacy of Ethan Chapin.

Stacy went on to describe Ethan as "one of the most incredible people you will ever know."

"Together, we want to extend gratitude to the following," Stacy Chapin said. "Our neighbors in Mount Vernon and La Conner, Washington and the local communities of Priest Lake and Moscow, Idaho for their ongoing support and care. Our extended family and friends who serve as beacons of strength and remain by our side throughout every moment. The Moscow Police Department, who now carry the burden every day, not only for us, but for all of the impacted families. And, the many strangers throughout the country. Your outreach and kind words are profoundly touching."

To watch the Chapin family's full statement, use the player below:

The Sigma Chi Foundation established a scholarship fund to honor the memory of Ethan. According to the fraternity, the Ethan Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund will be presented annually to a deserving undergraduate member of the Gamma Eta Chapter.

RELATED: Ethan Chapin Memorial Scholarship awarded to twin brother

Vigil held at the University of Idaho

More than 1,000 people filled the Kibbie Dome at the University of Idaho to to honor the lives of Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan.

The vigil was held inside due to a severe snowstorm, but people still lit up the room for the families in attendance.

The dean of students and president of the university both shared statements at the beginning and introduced the parents of Ethan, Madison and Kaylee. Xana's family was at the vigil but did not speak.

"We are eternally grateful that we spent so much time with him," Stacy Chapin, Ethan's mother, said. "And I want to remind you that that's the most important message that we have for you and your families is to make sure that you spend as much time as possible with those people because time is precious and it's something you can't get back."

Ben Mogen, Madison's father, spoke of his daughter's relationship with her boyfriend before her death.

"I'm so glad that she got to just have at least a little taste of what it's like to be in love with someone," Ben Mogen said. "He's just a really great guy and they treated each other the way you're supposed to. I was really proud to call him my daughter's boyfriend. Maybe someday, they would've gotten married, you know? Seemed like it at least."

"It's a shame and it hurts," Steve Goncalves, Kaylee's father, said. "With the beauty of the two always being together...it comforts us. It lets us know that they were with their best friends in the whole world. It's like a book. It's like some kind of terrible chapter, but there's beauty in it. We're going to get our justice. We're going to figure this stuff out. This community deserves that."

Memorial service for all victims held in Post Falls

A memorial service was held in Post Falls, Idaho, on Friday to honor the students' lives.

During the service, family and friends of the four students took the stand to share memories of their loved ones. Among the speakers were Jake Schriger, Madison's boyfriend; Kristi Goncalves, Kaylee's mom; Ben Mogen, Madison's dad and Jazzmin Kernodle, Xana's sister.

Police ask to speak with the owner of a white Hyundai Elantra

It was one of the first substantial leads investigators had; the Moscow Police Department asked for assistance in locating the owner of a 2011-2013 white Hyundai Elantra with an unknown license plate. 

Police said tips and leads led investigators to look for information about a car being near the King Road home during the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022. They believed the occupant(s) of that car may have had critical information related to the case.

RELATED: Latest Info | White Hyundai Elantra found in Oregon registered out of Colorado

Moscow Police Chief reflects on murder investigation

Six weeks after the murders, Moscow Police Chief James Fry sat with KREM 2 for a one-on-one interview regarding the investigation. He acknowledged it could be frustrating to feel desperate for answers but said investigators are working hard to find the facts and, ultimately, make an arrest.

"We're fact-finders. That's what an investigation does," Fry said. "Puts all the pieces together and paints a picture so when an arrest is made, goes to trial, we can lay that all out for a jury to be able to see the facts and see how we got from point A to point B." 

At this point in the investigation, police received more than 17,000 tips, but investigators were still releasing limited information. Fry said this was because the department was looking forward to the day of an arrest.

"It's not just about today. It's about in a year from now or whenever we make an arrest and go to trial," he said.

Suspect arrested in Pennsylvania

Less than two months after the murders, Moscow police announced a suspect in the murders had been arrested.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, was arrested at his family's home in Pennsylvania in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, 2022. He was extradited back to Idaho and booked into the Latah County Jail on Jan. 4, 2023. He remains there awaiting trial.

For the latest updates on the case, click here.

University of Idaho awards victims with posthumous degrees

A posthumous degree in general studies was given to Goncalves and one in marketing was given to Mogen, as they were both set to graduate this year. Chapin, who was a freshman, received a certificate in recreation, sport and tourism management, and Kernodle, who was a junior, received a certificate in marketing.  

Chapin and Kernodle's certificates were given to their respective families in a separate ceremony before graduation.

Maddie May Day

May 25, 2023, was designated as Maddie May Day in honor of Maddie. People were encouraged to perform random acts of kindness. According to their website, "Maddie May Day" was initiated by Maddie's relatives.

"We all feel the pain of Maddie's loss, and we invite you to join us in carrying on Maddie's mission by performing random acts of kindness. We look forward to hearing the stories that arise as we remember Maddie on this day and every day," the website stated.

Some examples provided on the website for participating in Maddie May Day include paying for a stranger's coffee, mowing a neighbor's lawn, bringing flowers to a friend, or baking cookies for coworkers.

Kaylee Jade Day

Kaylee would have been 22 years old on June 8, 2023, but her family still intended to celebrate their late daughter by encouraging others to do what they love.

Thursday, June 8 was Kaylee Jade Day, a day where people can honor Kaylee's life and legacy by purposefully doing something they love to do. Kaylee's family created the day as a way to remember their daughter, who they say spent every day doing something she loved.

To honor their daughter, her family is encouraging everyone to do something that makes them happy, while keeping Kaylee in mind.

"We don't have Kaylee with us here any longer but that doesn't mean her love for life, family, or adventure is gone," her family wrote in a Facebook post.

Xanapalooza

In honor of what would have been Xana Kernodle's 21st birthday, "Xanapalooza" encourages people to step outside their comfort zone and be adventurous.

To commemorate her 21st birthday, Xana's sister marked July 5, 2023 as "Xanapalooza."

"We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day," Xana's sister, Jazzmin, said in a Facebook post. "She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!"

Ethan Chapin Volleyball Court unveiled in Priest Lake

Hill's Resort in Priest Lake was a summer destination for the Chapin family. They spent several summers vacationing there, and Ethan and his siblings even worked there during the summer.

The newest attraction at the resort is the Ethan Chapin Volleyball Court. Unveiled July 26, 2023, the volleyball court was named after Ethan Chapin.

The volleyball court and the new bench with a plaque recognizing Ethan sit in front of the lake for all to take in.

University of Idaho shares progress on memorial garden

The University of Idaho has been working with students to create a permanent place to honor their lives and other enrolled students who died far too young.

"We're hoping to identify space on campus to build a memorial garden and healing space for students, employees and the community where we can come together where we can grieve the loss of our lost Vandals," Dean of Students Dr. Blaine Eckles said.

That process started shortly after the murders. A committee of students and university staff have been meeting weekly.

"We have about 150 students and some community members, some employees that are gathering today to brainstorm around what could the healing garden look like, what are some elements they would like to see," Executive Director of Communications Jodi Walker said.

The project is supported by donors. To date, they've raised more than $200,000. The university's College of Art and Architecture will also be involved with the design process. The committee is still a ways out from deciding where the garden will be. The university told KREM 2 there are currently no plans for a memorial on King Road

Students to lead vigil in memory of Ethan, Kaylee, Xana and Madison

Students at the University of Idaho have announced plans for a student-led vigil to remember the victims who were killed one year ago. The vigil is planned for 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 on the Administration lawn on the Moscow campus.

The vigil will be led by representatives of three different Greek chapters.

“It is important that the students lead this effort toward healing,” said Tanner McLain, president of the Associated Students of the University of Idaho (ASUI). “We want to ensure we continue to tell their stories, to honor their legacy and to provide a place where each student can heal. Together we are moving forward.”  

During the vigil four students will speak in memory of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. Each are representatives of a Greek chapter with which the victims were associated.

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