4 University of Idaho students found dead near campus in suspected homicide

MOSCOW, Idaho — Four students from the University of Idaho were found dead in a suspected homicide Sunday, authorities said.

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School officials identified the victims as Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.

Update 12:40 p.m. EST Nov. 15: Investigators believe the University of Idaho students found slain Sunday were killed by “an edged weapon such as a knife,” according to police.

Authorities did not immediately find the weapon used.

“Autopsies are scheduled to be completed later this week and will hopefully provide more definitive information on the exact cause of death,” officials said Tuesday in a news release.

Police said they were called around 12 p.m. to a report of an unconscious person on King Road. When they arrived, they found Chapin, Kernodle, Mogen and Goncalves dead.

Authorities believe the killings were targeted and that “there is no imminent threat to the community at large,” officials said.

Police continue to investigate.

— Theresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Original report: According to The Associated Press, the bodies were discovered shortly before noon in a home on King Street in Moscow, Idaho, near the university’s campus.

The University of Idaho in a campus memo on Monday released the names of the four students who died. They were identified as Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.

University of Idaho President Scott Green addressed the news in a statement late Sunday.

“It is with deep sadness that I share with you that the university was notified today of the death of four University of Idaho students living off-campus believed to be victims of homicide,” the statement read. “Out of respect for these fellow Vandals, classes statewide and online are cancelled Monday, Nov. 14. All campuses remain open. Classes will resume Tuesday, Nov. 15.”

Green added that investigators don’t believe an active threat exists.

“We are grateful for the support of the community and the ongoing efforts of the Police Department,” the statement continued. “The university is committed to supporting students and families during this difficult time.”

No further information was immediately available.

– The Associated Press contributed to this report.