Demolition of University of Idaho student murder home begins over opposition from victims' families

The house where four University of Idaho students were brutally murdered last year is being demolished starting Thursday despite opposition from the victim's families. 

The school said in February that it would tear down the Moscow, Idaho, home where Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were stabbed to death in November 2022.

Bryan Kohberger pleaded not guilty to their murders earlier this year. Prosecutors last week asked the court to schedule a six-week trial on the charges in the summer of 2024, according to local outlet KTVB 7.

Both the prosecution and the defense toured the home a final time before the demolition to take measurements, pictures and video, per a local CBS affiliate. 

A private owner had rented out the home to college students but donated it to the University of Idaho after the murders.

However, the home is being destroyed despite opposition from victims' families. 

Cara Northington, Kernodle's mother, signed a petition last month asking for jurors to be able to visit the crime scene, according to The Daily Mail.

"My daughter was murdered in that house, and there is no way they should be destroying any evidence," she said.

Goncalves' family said earlier this month that they were frustrated with the university's decision. 

"Isn't it better to have the King Rd. House and not need it than need the house and not have it?" they asked in a statement. 

"This is one of the most horrific crimes in the history of Idaho and the University wants to destroy one of the most critical pieces of evidence in the case," the family also wrote. "Nobody is listening, and everyone tells you how sorry they are for the decision, but the families' opinion isn't a priority."

University of Idaho President Scott Green said that the home is a "grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there…it is time for its removal and to allow the collective healing of our community to continue."

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