In a tragic incident that shook the University of Idaho community, four young friends and college students lost their lives in a horrifying quadruple murder last year. The families of two of the victims, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, have reportedly expressed their support for the death penalty in the case against the accused perpetrator.
On November 13, 2022, the University of Idaho was struck by a devastating act of violence when four students, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen, were tragically stabbed to death. The suspect, a 28-year-old man whose name remains undisclosed as per company policy, was indicted on charges, including first-degree murder, six weeks after the incident.
According to Shanon Gray, the attorney representing Goncalves’ family, the families affected by the heinous crime have voiced their support for the death penalty in this case. Gray mentioned that the prosecutor would meet with each family individually to consider their perspectives before making a final decision. The families’ endorsement of capital punishment reflects their desire for justice and closure for their loved ones’ untimely deaths.
The families, together with their attorney, are reportedly planning to pursue legal action against the city of Moscow in the next two years. This action aims to seek clarity regarding the state’s intention to pursue the death penalty in this case. The attorney emphasized that filing the tort claims notice is a standard procedure that safeguards the interests of the families, the victims, and the community as a whole.
The suspect appeared in court recently for his arraignment, where he remained silent when asked to enter a plea. Consequently, the judge entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. With the plea set, prosecutors now have a 60-day window to determine whether they will pursue the death penalty.
Idaho Republican Governor Brad Little signed a law earlier this year that authorizes the use of a firing squad as an alternative method of execution if lethal injection drugs are not available. This law, effective from July 1, positions Idaho as the fifth state in the nation to adopt such measures. The quadruple murder at the University of Idaho has left an indelible mark on the affected families and the community as a whole.
