The Moscow Police Department have been unable to confirm reports that murder victim Kaylee Goncalves had a stalker.
Kaylee, 21, was found brutally stabbed to death on 13 November along with her roommates Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Xana’s visiting boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20.
Despite “looking extensively” into concerns raised by people who knew Goncalves that she had complained about a stalker, police were unable to confirm those reports, the department said during a press conference on Wednesday.
“We obtained information through some of our interviews that Kaylee had made some comments about having a stalker, so that’s where that came from,” Moscow Police Captain Roger Lanier said.
“So far we have not been able to corroborate that, but we are not done looking at that piece of information”
MPD, which did not respond to requests from The Independent, urged anyone with information regarding the alleged stalker to contact the tip line at 208-883-7180.
On Wednesday, police refused to provide more details as to why they think the murders were targeted.
“You’re going to have to trust on that at this point because we are not going to release why we think that,” Mr Lanier said.
The department had previously sought to clarify details regarding the weapon believed to have been used in the attacks, which took place at the girls’ off-campus house just two blocks from the university.
“There has been much conversation about the terminology used to describe the weapon,” the department posted on Tuesday.
“The type of knife thought to be used in the attacks is believed to be a fix-blade knife. Detectives continue to look for the weapon.”
The statements came one day after hundreds attended the first memorial for one of the UI victims. Friends and family gathered in Mount Vernon, Washington to remember Ethan, described in a brief statement to reporters by his parents on Monday as “one of the most incredible people you will ever know”.
Details on funerals for the other victims have not yet been made public. A memorial service for all four students is planned for 2 December at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, about 90 miles north of Moscow, close to where Kaylee, Xana and Morgan grew up.
Families and authorities have been appealing for an end to wild speculation online and through word of mouth about the murders, saying the rumours not only worsen families’ pain but also hinder the investigation.
