University of Idaho Honors Victims' Families by Temporarily Halting Demolition of Crime Scene House

University of Idaho Victims' Families Crime Scene house demolition Bryan Kohberger

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Jul 12, 10:52 pm

Photo: (Photo : David Ryder/Getty Images)

The University of Idaho is delaying the house demolition where four of their students were murdered.

In a gesture of compassion and respect towards the families of the victims, the University of Idaho has announced a temporary halt to the planned demolition of the house where four college students were tragically stabbed to death.

University President Scott Green described this decision as the "right thing to do" in a statement released. The move aims to consider the emotional impact of the incident and prioritize the well-being of the families and students affected by the horrifying event.

Postponing Demolition in Accordance with Families' Wishes

According to NBC News, the university had initially faced criticism from the family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the victims, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the planned demolition. They alleged that although school officials sought their opinions on what should be done with the house, those opinions were ultimately disregarded in favor of the university's own interests.

Attorney Shanon Gray, representing the Goncalves family, argued that delaying the demolition until after the trial would not only honor the families' wishes but also support the judicial process.

Gray emphasized the immense evidentiary value of the house, highlighting its significance as a crucial piece of evidence for both the prosecution and the defense, as well as for potential jurors.

As per Court TV, the Goncalves family expresses their desire for the house to remain intact until the completion of Kohberger's trial. Gray's statements underscored the importance of preserving the house as an invaluable piece of evidence in the upcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect arrested in connection with the murders.

Preserving Key Evidence for the Trial

On the other hand, according to CNN, both Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson and defense attorney Anne Taylor, representing quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, have given their consent to the demolition of the house.

Thompson highlighted that the scene has undergone significant alterations since the time of the homicides, including the removal of relevant items and structural components, as well as extensive chemical application, which could pose health risks.

As a result, they concluded that a "jury view" would not be appropriate. Contrarily, attorney Shannon Gray, representing the Goncalves family, stated that they do not wish for the house to be demolished until after Kohberger's trial has concluded.

Kohberger, a 28-year-old pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice from a nearby university at the time of his arrest, has pleaded not guilty to the four counts of first-degree murder with which he has been charged.

Prosecutors have announced their intent to pursue the death penalty in the case. With the trial scheduled to commence on October 2, the preservation of the crime scene house is deemed crucial to the fair administration of justice.

University of Idaho's Role as Custodian of the House

The three-story, six-bedroom house, located less than a mile from the University of Idaho's flagship campus in Moscow, was originally owned by an individual who later donated it to the university after the tragic slayings occurred. Consequently, the university assumed custodianship of the property.

Prior to the decision to postpone the demolition, crews had already initiated the removal of personal items belonging to the students from the house. The university has assured that these items will be made available to the families in a discreet and respectful manner in the coming weeks.

By honoring the families' wishes and delaying the demolition, the University of Idaho has taken a step towards acknowledging the emotional toll that this incident has had on those affected.

President Scott Green reiterated that every decision made thus far has been driven by considerations for the victims' families and the well-being of the university's students.

This temporary reprieve ensures that the families' desires are taken into account and provides an opportunity to fully support the judicial process by preserving the house as a vital piece of evidence.