Idaho Quadruple Murders: Everything We Know So Far

Summary

In this episode of Law and Crime's Sidebar podcast, Anjanette Levy discusses the murder of four University of Idaho students. The students, Maddie Mogan, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, were killed in the early hours of November 13th after a night out. The podcast explores the timeline of events, the challenges faced by investigators due to the holiday weekend, and the complexity of the case. Forensic death investigator Joseph Scott Morgan joins to provide insights into the investigation, including the significance of the murder weapon and the impact of social media on the case.

Takeaways

• 😢 Four University of Idaho students were murdered off-campus on November 13th.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Police have few leads and are still investigating the case.
• 🏠 The students were last seen returning to their home after a night out.
• 📅 The incident occurred shortly before a long holiday weekend, which may have affected the investigation.
• 👥 Two of the victims were captured on a Twitch stream video shortly before returning home.
• 🏡 The surviving roommates arrived home earlier and were initially unaware of the crime.
• 🚔 A 911 call was placed by a surviving roommate who thought one of the victims was unconscious.
• 🔍 Autopsies revealed the victims were stabbed, with no signs of sexual assault.
• 🗣️ Captain Roger Lanier of the Moscow Police Department discussed the timeline of events.
• 🔪 Police believe the murder weapon was a fixed-blade knife, possibly a military-style or hunting knife.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the Law and Crime's Sidebar podcast episode discussed in the transcript?

The main topic is the investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students, Maddie Mogan, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, which occurred at their off-campus home.

What was the timeline of events on the night of November 12th to the early morning of November 13th according to Captain Roger Lanier of the Moscow Police Department?

Kaylee and Madison arrived home at approximately 1:45 a.m. after visiting a local bar and a street food vendor. Ethan and Xana, who were dating, had been at a party at the Sigma Chi house and also arrived home around 1:45 a.m. Two surviving roommates were home earlier, around 1:00 a.m. The 911 call was placed at 11:58 a.m. by one of the surviving roommates.

What was the reason for the 911 call made from the victims' home on November 13th?

The surviving roommates called 911 from one of their cell phones, believing one of the victims, who was actually killed, was unconscious and sleeping.

What were the autopsy findings regarding the cause of death for the four students?

Autopsies revealed that the victims were all stabbed, with some having defensive wounds, and others being stabbed while they were sleeping. There were no signs of sexual assault.

How has the long holiday weekend potentially impacted the investigation according to Joseph Scott Morgan?

Joseph Scott Morgan suggests that the holiday weekend could have impacted the investigation by causing a significant number of potential witnesses and interviewees to leave the area, making it harder for investigators to gather information and witness statements.

What is the significance of the fixed-blade knife mentioned by the police in relation to the case?

The fixed-blade knife is believed to be the murder weapon. Releasing this information to the public could help identify the killer, but it also potentially tips off the perpetrator.

What was the role of social media in the case as discussed in the podcast?

Social media played a role in the case by providing insights into the victims' lives and personalities, but it also raised concerns about the potential for stalkers or opportunistic killers to gain intimate knowledge of the victims' lives and surroundings.

Why did the police address the rumors about the victims being tied and gagged?

The police addressed these rumors to dispel false information and to correct the public's understanding of the case, as the 911 call and the investigation did not support these claims.

What was the nature of the Tick Tock video posted by Kaylee Goncalves mentioned in the transcript?

The Tick Tock video was a casual and fun video posted by Kaylee Goncalves with her roommates, showing a glimpse into their everyday lives and personalities.

What steps can people take if they have information or tips about the case?

People with information or tips can report them to law enforcement through a tip line at 208-883-7180, via email at [email protected], or by uploading digital media to fbi.gov/Moscow, Idaho.

How does the podcast suggest the investigation is being handled by the Moscow Police Department?

The podcast suggests that the Moscow Police Department is handling the investigation seriously and carefully, protecting evidence and information to avoid tipping off the perpetrator and to ensure the integrity of the investigation.