In the US state of Idaho, four students fell victim to a horrific violent crime on Sunday. Three young women and a man were found dead in an apartment near the University of Idaho campus. The university reported this on Twitter on Sunday, citing the researchers.
As the American media reports, not only are the authorities puzzling over the students’ mysterious deaths, speculation is also piling up online.
The tragedy happened in a place called Moscow, Idaho, USA. There was initially an emergency call for an unconscious person, police in the small town said. The officers then found the four dead at the scene. Mayor Art Bettge spoke of a “crime of passion”. While the authorities are still in the dark, one thing is certain: the case will be treated as murder.
“Focused, isolated attack”
The victims were identified on Monday as Ethan C. († 20), Madison M. († 21), Xana K. († 20) and Kaylee G. († 21). Coroner Cathy Mabbutt confirmed that all four deaths were homicides, not suicides.
As the local police announced on Tuesday, the students are believed to have been killed with a sharp weapon – such as a knife. However, no murder weapon has been found and no suspect has been arrested. According to the police, the quadruple murder was a “targeted, isolated attack”. There would be no immediate threat to the general public.
The deaths of the four young people had terrified the entire university town. After the violence, students fled the campus en masse and returned to their families. Out of respect for the victims, the university canceled classes for Monday.
According to US media reports, the mood on campus remained gloomy for the next few days. “Words cannot adequately describe the light these students have brought to this world or the deep sadness we feel at their passing in these tragic circumstances,” Scott Green, the university’s president, said in a message to students and staff.
Video shows hours before her death
As announced by the Moscow police, they are preparing a scheme to reconstruct the night of the crime. A video recording from the live streaming portal Twitch should play a role. The video is said to show two of the killed students ordering food from a snack truck in Moscow at 1:41 a.m. According to “CNN,” the two had been in a bar before.
The footage was probably taken a few hours before she was killed. As the students waited for their food, the video allegedly featured a dark-clad man appearing to be watching the young women.
Two roommates were home when the four students were killed
The other two fatalities were at a party that night. According to a police spokesperson, all victims were stabbed to death in their home early Sunday morning. However, no emergency call came in at 12:00 am.
As the newspaper continues to write, two other housemates were said to have been home at the time of the violent crime. However, the two were unharmed.
How the tragedy came about and who is responsible for it remains unclear. According to CNN, autopsies on the bodies have now been completed. As soon as the result is known, the authorities will inform you again. (dzc)
* Names known