The Idaho House Where 4 College Students Were Murdered Is Being Demolished Today: 'A Healing Step'

On Nov. 13, 2022, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were stabbed to death inside of the off-campus residence

Demolition began today on the three-story house where four University of Idaho students were murdered last November after the owner of the home donated it to the university.

"This is a healing step and removes the physical structure where the crime that shook our community was committed," a statement from the school announcing the house's planned demolition, issued on Feb. 24, reads. "Demolition also removes efforts to further sensationalize the crime scene. We are evaluating options where students may be involved in the future development of the property."

The house, located at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, is where University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20 were stabbed to death on the second and third floors on Nov. 13, 2022. Authorities believe the murders took place between 4 and 4:25 a.m., the probable cause affidavit for the suspect's arrest, which was reviewed by PEOPLE, states.

Related: University of Idaho Murders, 1 Year Later: Key Things that Have Happened Since

"Sometimes it is hard to see beyond this tragedy," University of Idaho President Scott added in the February 24 statement. "But the selfless acts, the deep engagement and loving support of our entire Vandal Family reminds me that there is so much good in the world. We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison and Kaylee, and I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory."

The university confirmed the demolition date in a Dec. 14 press release, and stated that suspect Bryan Kohberger's defense team planned to access the home on Dec. 14 and 15 to "take photographs. measurements and possibly gather drone footage of the house."

Related: Chilling Details Revealed as Probable Cause Affidavit is Released in University of Idaho Murder Case

Two additional roommates in the home during the attacks survived and were unharmed. Authorities arrested Kohberger, 28, after connecting him to the crime scene using DNA evidence that was found on a knife sheath left next to one of the deceased victims, surveillance footage and Kohberger's cell phone pings, the affidavit states.

Related: Idaho Murder Victims' Families React to Suspect's Arrest: 'Such a Blessing and Relief'

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The house "is the grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there,” Green said in the Dec. 14 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.”

The Goncalves family has publicly stated they are against the demolition.

In June, prosecutors announced they will seek the death penalty against Kohberger — who was a Ph.D student in criminology State University at the time of the murders. Two months later in August, he waived his right to a speedy trial, which postponed the trial indefinitely.

In addition to the house being demolished, Green also announced in February that a "healing garden and memorial" is being created on the university's campus in memory of Mogen, Goncalves, Kernodle and Chapin and additional students from the University of Idaho who have passed away.

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