MOSCOW, ID – Teams representing the defense for the former Washington State University graduate student accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022 are accessing the alleged murder scene, the King Road house in Moscow, today and tomorrow. Last month Bryan Kohberger’s attorneys asked the university for access to the house in December, as they prepare their case for a trial. He has been charged with four counts of 1st-Degree Murder. A trial date has not been set.
The defense indicated they wanted to take photographs. measurements, and possibly gather drone footage of the house.
Following this, the university will prepare for the demolition of the house on December 28th. U of I officials say it may take several days to clear the site completely.
The house was given to the university earlier this year. It is the site where Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves were stabbed to death. It has been the intention of the university since being given the house, to demolish it.
“It is the grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there,” President Scott Green says. “While we appreciate the emotional connection some family members of the victims may have to this house, it is time for its removal and to allow the collective healing of our community to continue.”
The decision to tear down the house during winter break was made to decrease the further impact on the students who live in that area.
Germer Construction of Moscow will serve as general contractor and provide project oversight, while also performing site rehabilitation, grading, utility disconnection, and demolition assistance, at a reduced cost to the university.
In late October the FBI accessed the house to gather additional data. As explained to the university, the scanning done by the FBI will allow them to create visual aids that could be used during the trial.
Because of the gag order imposed by the court, no information or comment will be provided by the defense, prosecutor’s offices, investigators, or law enforcement.
