In Moscow, Idaho, police forces are looking into the deaths of four students from the University of Idaho who were thought to be the victims of homicide and were found this past Sunday at a residence off campus.
Law enforcement officials responded to a call just prior to noon on Sunday concerning the discovery of an unconscious person, explained the Moscow Police Department in a press release. After they made their way to the off-campus home, they discovered a total of four dead individuals. As of writing, the names of the victims have not yet been made public.
“This is an ongoing investigation. Information will be updated as soon as next of kin is notified and we have information we can share. The Moscow Police Department gives our heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and the Moscow community,” explained The MPD.
Scott Green, the president of the university, expressed his sympathy for the dead students via an email sent to the campus at large.
“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,” he stated, as reported by CNN.
In the wake of the gruesome findings, the University of Idaho posted to social media that the suspect was still entirely unknown at that time and pushed students to “Stay away from the area and shelter in place.” Roughly three hours later, the school reported that there was “no ongoing threat.”
Tyson Berrett, a Captain for the Moscow Police Department, explained to the Idaho Statesman that as of this past Sunday night, officials still had no suspect pulling into custody. He also expressed that the names of those discovered deceased will be released at a later time.
Despite the names not being issued publically, the families of the victims have been notified, explained university president Green within the aforementioned campus-wide email. He went on to highlight that the university was working alongside police forces to look into the crime and requested that anyone in possession of information make contact with the MPD.
“We are grateful for the support of the community and the ongoing efforts of the Police Department. The university is committed to supporting students and families during this difficult time,” expressed Green.
Within his email, Green explained that classes had been canceled on Monday “out of respect” for the victims, as reported by People Magazine.
To go along with this cancellation, the university also pushed any students who needed it to make use of the school’s counseling center.
“An event of this magnitude can understandably have significant impacts on those left behind. As Vandals, we must come together and lift each other up,” explained the University of Idaho, as reported by People. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our students as the Vandal family mourns their loss.”