University of Idaho demolishes home despite calls from murdered students' families to 'stop this madness'
MOSCOW, IDAHO: The University of Idaho on Thursday, December 28, raised the doomed house on Kings Road to the ground where four students were allegedly killed by Bryan Kohberger in November 2022.
The victims killed inside the Moscow, Idaho, off-campus rental home included Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen.
News channels streamed the demolition of the house live on TV after workers arrived on the scene with heavy machinery which included excavators.
Why was the Idaho house demolished?
The owner of the home donated it to the university after the murders which planned to tear it down in July, before the start of the new academic year.
The officlas believed that it serves as a "daily reminder of the horrific act that happened there," according to Jodi Walker, the university’s executive director of communications, as reported by News Nation.
Walker said, "Being able to bring that house down brings closure to students in that area." The plans of demolition had been delayed due to attorneys for the suspect, Bryan Kohberger, being given access to the home as part of their preparations for trial.
Prosecutors also accessed the house on December 21, the school said.
Why are University of Idaho students' families opposing the demolition?
Many people even experts opposed the demolition of the house citing its importance as evidence to affect the trial. These include at least two victim families who openly voiced against destroying the house.
Xana and Kaylee's families released a statement on Wednesday, December 27, calling on prosecutors and the University of Idaho "to stop this madness."
"When the victims can't speak, you have to speak for them when you feel someone is hurting the case," they said.
They cited that the physical structure may answer questions about access points, views, vantages, and audio capabilities inside. They asked if after the home is demolished, all these questions will be answered if they become an "issue at trial." They added, “If not then leave the home alone!”
Defense attorney and prosecutors didn't oppose Idaho house demolition
Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys have opposed the demolition, the university said, according to CNN. The prosecutors, according to the report, told school officials in an email the house is “so substantially different than at the time of the homicides” that a jury wouldn’t be authorized to see it.
“It is the grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said in a news release.
“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," Green added.
Kohberger has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and not-guilty pleas have been entered on his behalf. Prosecutors have proposed his trial begin in the summer of 2024.
