This article is based on sources, MEAWW cannot verify the information independently.
MOSCOW, IDAHO: With the investigation into the tragic murder at the Univeristy of Idaho now a month old, some Internet users believe the killer was a stranger who left Idaho after killing the four students. Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were found stabbed to death with a 'fixed blade knife' on November 13 in their apartment building near the campus.
One such user explains on Reddit, “A lot of people left the town after the murders, which would only delay the investigation. If the killer had been in the house before or many times, his DNA presence can be explained. They need solid DNA on a place that can't be explained away by the fact u often went to that house and have been in their rooms before. If the killer is known to the victims or at least one of them, and has no prior criminal history, it can't be matched right now. They can't just take DNA swabs from everyone the victims knew. They know a lot more than we've been told, I would be shocked if the killer turns out to be a complete stranger.”
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However, several users argued that it would be difficult for a complete stranger to execute such a horrific killing. One person wrote, “At this point, I would too be shocked if it was a stranger. The layout of the house is far too convoluted for this to be random.” “The area is highly visible being on a hill. However, it would be very difficult for a complete stranger to park close around there consistently without being noticed at some stage because it is a cul-de-sac. The perpetrator had to be someone who has lived around there at some stage of their life, in my opinion,” another user added.
“This would've been a massive risk for a stranger. How would a stranger know the dog wouldn't bark and alert those asleep in the house? How would a stranger make his way through a house he's never been in and kill 4 people without alerting two asleep on the first floor? The brutality of the murders doesn't suggest it was a stranger,” yet another user remarked. Meanwhile, the handling of the triple homicide case by the Moscow police has drawn significant criticism. Police were forced to amend an original statement that there was "no threat to the community," which sparked criticism in the early phases of the inquiry.
Since then, officials have changed their positions on a number of critical issues pertaining to the inquiry, including whether or not the other three victims simply happened to be in the way of a targeted attack on one of the victims. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with information about the crime or a tip or a suspicious person in the area is asked to call 208-883-7180 or email tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.
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.