The president of the University of Idaho has halted the intentions to demolish the residence, where four students lost their lives in November 2022.
On Wednesday, President Scott Green announced that the residence where five individuals resided, including victims – Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen – will no longer proceed with demolition plans. Ethan Chapin, who was dating Kernodle, was also present at the residence when all four individuals tragically lost their lives, allegedly at the hands of Bryan Kohberger.
“In response to this tragedy, we have tried to do what is right, knowing full well there are no actions or decisions that will be met with full support. This is why the decision about what to do with the King Road house is so difficult,” Green said.
He added, “Because of this, upon the completion of the remediation of the house, including lead and asbestos abatement, we will pause demolition. We will revisit this decision in October.”
In May, Kohberger was indicted for breaking a rental into home in a college town on November 13, 2022. Tragically, he entered the premises and killed four students who were inside, some of whom were asleep at the time. According to one of the surviving roommates, she heard crying coming from Kernodle’s room, followed by a man reassuring, “It’s OK, I’m going to help you.” Subsequently, she witnessed a masked individual with “bushy eyebrows” exiting through the back door.
Nevertheless, President Green says the demolition will eventually occur but believes that keeping the residence is the right thing to do right now.
“We still fully expect to demolish the house, which was given to the university by the former owner. But we believe leaving the house standing, for now, is the right course to take,” he said.
