University house where four students were stabbed to death set to be demolished
The University of Idaho house where four students were found stabbed to death will be demolished as a "healing step", it has been revealed.
Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20 and Kernodle’s boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20 were killed at the home in Moscow, Idaho in the early hours of November 13, 2022 after they were each stabbed multiple times.
Suspect Bryan Kohberger was arrested on December 30 and has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary - with his trial due to begin in June.
University President Scott Green said the house, which is located near the college campus, has been given to them by its previous owner.
The University of Idaho accepted the offer after the owner "offered to give the house to the university."
Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’In a statement, Mr Green said: "The house will be demolished.
"This is a healing step and removes the physical structure where the crime that shook our community was committed.
"Demolition also removes efforts to further sensationalise the crime scene. We are evaluating options where students may be involved in the future development of the property."
The Moscow Police Department has collected over hundreds of pieces of evidence and information at the home including thousands of photographs as part of the investigation.
Police said Kohberger's DNA was also found at the home.
The university plan to remember the four students stabbed to death by dedicating a scholarship fund and an on-campus memorial to them.
Mr Green revealed "early planning is underway" for a "healing garden and memorial," which will be "a place of remembrance of other students we have lost and a place of healing for those left behind."
A university committee, which contains students and staff, is coming up with a plan for the garden.
In addition, former students "led a peer-driven effort to create scholarships as a legacy for each of the four students," according to the university, and will "help future students as they pursue their educational opportunities at the U of I."
Mr Green said the university is prepared to do everything they can to remember the students.
Striking teacher forced to take a second job to pay bills ahead of mass walkoutHe added: "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.
"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."