Investigators Take Evidence from Crime Scene

Investigators were seen removing boxes of evidence from the house where four University of Idaho students were murdered.

Over the last nine days, local, state and federal law enforcement authorities have continued to comb through evidence, investigate tips and interview dozens of people who may have some knowledge about the incident.

On Tuesday, a officer was seen loading a cardboard box and plastic bin into an SUV before driving away the crime scene, according to Fox News reporters in Moscow, Idaho.

KXLY reporter Esther Bower said "numerous" investigators have been going in and out of the victims' home collecting evidence since "day one," adding that the "crime scene has been secured all these days."

No suspect has been named and no murder weapon has been found.

DNA Can Build Physical Profile of Killer, Experts Say

A forensic expert said DNA collection is key to building a profile of what a possible suspect in the University of Idaho murders looks like.

Michael Marciano, a research associate professor of forensic science at Syracuse University, spoke with Newsweek about some possible evidence that could be recovered at the scene of the murders. He said it could help investigators build a DNA profile.

"Anything that increases the amount of contact between a perpetrator and a victim, or perpetrator and the crime scene, or the victim and the crime scene, increases the chances of transfer of DNA," Marciano who is also the Director of the Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute at Syracuse University, told Newsweek.

He said the defensive wounds found on some victims indicated that the "person came into direct contact with the perpetrator and tried to fight him or her off."

According to Marciano, if police are able to find DNA at the scene and create a DNA profile for the perpetrator, "there's a high level of probability that they would be able to determine the gender."

Phenotyping DNA could be used by investigators to generate a physical profile of the individual, Joseph Scott Morgan, a distinguished professor of applied forensics at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, also explained to Newsweek.

Morgan, who is also the host of the Body Bags podcast, told Newsweek that through this process, the sex of the individual could be found, as well as the build, eye color and possibly hair color.

Investigators could search the fingernails of the victims to find possible DNA for a perpetrator or look for touch DNA and a possible blood source for a perpetrator if they accidentally cut themself while carrying out the alleged crime.

Both experts agree that much of the investigation relies on the quality of DNA collected at the scene, as well as if the perpetrator has even given a fingerprint in the past.

"In order to solve a crime with a late print, the individual has to be in a database. So, we can look at a fingerprint and say, 'wow you did a good job at lifting that print,'" Morgan told Newsweek.

"But if you don't have anything to compare it to, it's not gonna help me very much. So, the key here is if the offender has ever given a DNA sample somewhere else, or it's been collected on them and then you get a hit within the system on that subject, if they did in fact leave viable DNA behind."

Idahoans Outraged, Deeply Saddened by Tragedy

Idaho Governor Brad Little released a statement on the "disturbing" murders of four University of Idaho students, as police have yet to identify a suspect(s).

Little also encouraged those impacted to utilize available resources for support.

Governor's statement:

"Idahoans are stunned by the murders of four of our University of Idaho students," Little said. "The bright futures of these promising individuals were cut short, and the disturbing nature of this crime both outrages and deeply saddens our communities."

"To the victims' parents, friends and loved ones, we offer you our deepest sympathy and prayers.

As we collectively mourn these young lives, it is more important than ever to reach out to those in need and care for one another. I encourage all those affected by this painful tragedy to connect with available support resources.

While we await more information from law enforcement, we can take solace in their dedication to justice and safety.

As a fellow Vandal, I am confident that leaders at the University of Idaho will continue to provide immense support to the families, campus community, and all those impacted.

The Vandal community is a strong one. We are stronger together."

Police Ask Public to Refrain From Speculation

The Moscow Police Department released a statement on an '"unfounded" incident that occurred Monday involving a man chasing two women after they found him in their vehicle.

Just before 5:15 p.m. Monday, a woman called 911 saying she saw a man in the front passenger seat of her car when she opened the car door, according to Moscow Police.

The woman and her sister ran screaming to call the police. According to police, multiple neighbors heard the women screaming and came to help. Neighbors told police that they had not seen anyone in or exit the vehicle but a passerby informed the sisters of seeing a male chasing them and left before speaking with officers.

Police checked the areas upon arrival and contacted a man matching the description.

"He and a friend had just returned from a restaurant and the male approached
the sisters to help," the police press release said. "The male withdrew and waited to talk with officers when accused of being involved."

The responding officers then closed the incident as "unfounded," based on their knowledge at the time.

According to police, "unfounded" is a term is used to close an incident that cannot be initially substantiated. If additional information is obtained, the incident can be reopened, police said.

The Moscow Police are addressing this incident after the initial report sparked concern that it may be related to the recent murders.

"Online reports created immediate speculation that implied there was a link to
this incident with the ongoing homicide investigation," police said in the news release. "We urge residents to remain alert and vigilant. Additionally, we remind the public (& media) that investigative releases of information will be through official channels."

Vandals Football Carries 'Weight of Tragedy' Into Playoffs

The University of Idaho football team is headed to playoffs this weekend, as a tragic investigation continues near campus.

The Idaho Vandals are in fourth place in the Big Sky Conference and will have their first playoff game this weekend.

Jerek Wolcott, University of Idaho's Assistant Athletic Director for Brand Engagement and Digital Strategy, said the football team is representing "Vandal Nation" and the state of Idaho amid the horrific murders.

"They are carrying the weight of tragedy on their shoulders and doing it with dignity and class," he said in a tweet.

The 7-4 Vandals will take on the 8-3 Lions of Southeastern Louisiana Saturday in the first round of the FCS Playoffs.

Fraternity Honors Victim With Memorial Scholarship

The Sigma Chi fraternity has created a memorial scholarship to honor murder victim Ethan Chapin, who was a member of the fraternity's University of Idaho chapter.

The Ethan Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established by the Sigma Chi Foundation with Idaho Sigma Chis to honor the memory of Ethan Chapin, "who entered Chapter Eternal on Sunday, Nov. 13," the fraternity said in a tweet.

"Sigma Chi International Fraternity joins the members of its Gamma Eta chapter at the University of Idaho in remembering a young man who was deeply loved and respected, as well as to extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of Ethan, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen," the fraternity said.

The memorial scholarship will be presented each year to an undergraduate member of the fraternity's Gamma Eta chapter, "forever recognizing the legacy of our brother."

To learn more about the scholarship or to make a donation, people can visit this link: Ethan Chapin Scholarship – Sigma Chi.

Neighbors Heard Nothing When Murders Occurred

Neighbors living near the home where four University of Idaho students were murdered said the incident is "like something out of a movie."

"I went to bed early that night, and then I woke up to a bunch of normal and then a couple of hours later we got a message and there was a bunch of police here," Jeremy Reagan, a third-year law student, told Fox News. "And then that was the end of normalcy for the past week or so here."

Reagan said he lives so close to the victim's house that he "could throw a baseball from my front door to the house."

Dakota Sparks and Heather Tetwiler also live near the crime scene.

"I left for work around 11:45 [in the morning]," Sparks said. "I never saw or heard anything the night before. I was up until 2 a.m. and never heard anything at all."

Police say four victims returned home around 1:45 a.m. The 911 call was not made until 11:58 a.m. later that morning.

"I was at work and the only thing I heard about was like the 'unconscious person,'" Tetwiler said. "And then, I didn't realize it had more severity till I got home, and I could hear the clicking of the cameras."

Tetwiler said the area has been unusually quiet, adding that there were always gatherings and music playing at the house.

"There were parties that were kind of loud," he said to Fox News. "As I would take my dog in and out to go to the bathroom, I would just be walking by, I would look up and I would see people in the windows almost every night, probably four or five nights a week. There were a lot of people that went into and out of that house pretty frequently."

Neighbors told the outlet that the victims were respectful and their gatherings were typical of a college campus.

Moscow Police to Provide Latest Update Wednesday

The Moscow Police Department will provide the latest details on the investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students tomorrow.

Investigators have yet to identify a suspect(s) or recover the murder weapon, now nine days since the students were found stabbed to death inside their home.

Students and community members have voiced concerns for safety and frustration amid few details released by police. Authorities have asked for "patience" as the investigation continues.

The press conference will be held on campus at 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday, November 23.

It will be steamed live on the Moscow Police Department's YouTube page.

Murder Victim Ethan Chapin 'Loved Life'

A memorial service for Ethan Chapin, one of the four University of Idaho students killed, was held in Mount Vernon, Washington on Monday.

"We want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of Ethan's life," his family wrote in the program," according to the AP. "It is an incredible testimony to his character just how many lives he has touched in his short 20 years. The loss is unimaginable but our family will persevere."

Chapin was just 20-years-old and a triplet. The three all enrolled in the University of Idaho last August, the Associated Press reports.

"Since attending the University of Idaho, Ethan lived his best life," his obituary reads. "He loved the social life, intramurals and tolerated the academics. He also continued to play sports."

"Ethan loved life. He laughed continuously. He smiled when he woke up and was still smiling when he went to bed. He was kind to all and a friend to all. May we all try to make the earth a better place... and may we all live like Ethan."

Stacy Chapin, Ethan's mother, addressed the media before the service Monday. She called her son "one of the most incredible people you'll ever know."

Fighting tears alongside Ethan's siblings, she also thanked neighbors, family, law enforcement working the case, media and strangers from across the country for their "outreach and kind words."

University Considering Remote Learning Option

The University of Idaho is preparing for students to continue classes both remotely and in-person after the Thanksgiving holiday amid the ongoing quadruple homicide investigation.

In a press conference Sunday, university President C. Scott Green the school is focused on support students and is "working to meet their very needs."

Some students have indicated that they do not feel safe on or around campus with the killer is still at large and do not want to return to campus until a suspect is in custody.

While most students are home already for the break, many had already left campus before the break following the murders.

Professors are planning for both remote and in-person learning in the coming days after students return from the short holiday break.

"The police continue to inform us that this was a targeted attack, but we recognize that this is not good enough for some of our students who will want to complete the rest of their semester remotely until the person who committed the crime is in custody," Green said.

Other students said they seeking the comfort, community and structure of in-person instruction and campus life.

"I feel like I need to be back in Moscow because law school is very intense and I need to make sure I am completely focused on law school," University of Idaho law student Jefferson Douglas told KXLY-TV.

Green assured reporters that the university has a "very visible" police presence on campus that will remain "into the foreseeable future."

"All resident halls are locked 24 hours a day and only accessible by students that live in the building," Green said. "We are making security our top priority. We are also planning a very real possibility that some students aren't comfortable returning to campus. We will do our best to meet the needs of all students."

The University of Idaho will announce their final decision on remote instruction Tuesday to allow students to plan for after the Thanksgiving break.

Skinned Dog 'Unrelated' to Student Murders

The Latah County Sheriff's Office determined that a report of a skinned dog found near the site of the University of Idaho murders is "unrelated" to the incident.

Weeks before the four students were stabbed to death in on off-campus house, a dog was found filleted and skinned. Buddy, a 12-year-old mini Australian shepherd, was found skinned head to tail on Oct. 21.

'We let Buddy out and somebody must have been waiting out there," his owner, Pam, told Fox News. "Bud never leaves the yard, but this person grabbed Buddy."

She said once they found Buddy skinned, they called the sheriff's department.

"It was like a deer that someone had hunted," she said. "They cut him around the neck and just skinned him. His little legs had fur and his little face had fur, but the rest of him was just skinned."

The dog was found three miles from where the students were found dead.

Latah County Sheriff's Deputy confirmed to Daily Mail that the dog was killed by a human.

According to the Moscow Police, detective are also aware of reports of dead animals left on a resident's property.

"This was determined to be wildlife activity and unrelated to the incident," police said in a press release.

Police Call Report of Women Being Chased 'Unfounded'

Moscow Police determined that a suspicious incident that occurred near campus Monday was "unfounded."

On Monday, two young women left their home at 5:15 p.m. and, as they approached their car, they saw a man sitting in the front seat, according to the Moscow Report.

The man then got out of the car and chased the girls, the paper reports. The girls ran towards friends and called the police, after which the man fled. He could not be found once police arrived.

The man was described as "an overweight white male in a yellow shirt with dirty blonde to brown hair, and a scruffy beard."

Police said they investigated the incident at the time of the call "and determined there was no crime and the incident was unfounded."

Police Don't Believe the Two Surviving Roommates Were Involved

Police have still not identified a suspect(s) or recovered a murder weapon, now nine days since four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death on different floors inside their home.

Moscow Police have ruled out several people they believe are "not involved" in the murders, including the two surviving roommates. The list also includes the man seen in the Grub Truck surveillance video and the driver who took Kaylee and Madison home on the evening in question.

"On the morning of November 13th, the surviving roommates summoned friends to the residence because they believed one of the second-floor victims had passed out and was not waking up," the Moscow Police Department said Monday.

"At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call requested aid for an unconscious person. The call originated from inside the residence on one of the surviving roommates' cell phone. Multiple people talked with the 911 dispatcher before a Moscow Police officer arrived at the location. Officers entered the residence and found the four victims on the second and third floors. At this time in the investigation, detectives do not believe any individual at the residence, when 911 was called, is involved in this crime."

Police have not released the identity of the 911 caller.

Detectives have seized the contents of three dumpsters on King Road to "locate possible evidence," a Monday police update said. The residence where the murders occurred is also on King Road.

The Latah County Coroner said the four students were stabbed to death, likely in their sleep. Police say "some" of the victims had defensive wounds and each was stabbed "multiple times."

Investigators continue obtaining and reviewing surveillance video from businesses and homes taken from on Sunday, November 13 between 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Police Search New Areas, Receive Nearly 650 Tips

The investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students continues as police search new areas hoping to find more clues.

Police blocked off a wooded area and parking lot behind the home where the killings occurred, according to NBC. This area may be key to discovering how the killer got in and out of the home.

Moscow Police Chief James Fry said authorities have received almost 650 tips and conducted 90 interviews since the investigation began, according to the Associated Press.

Police have also asked businesses and neighbors across the city to share video surveillance footage from 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on the day of the killings.

They are asking for tips from anyone "who observed suspicious behavior."

No suspect has been named or brought into custody and the murder weapon has not been recovered. Officials are asking the community to be patient as they work to solve this case.

"It's a complex and terrible crime, and it will take some time to resolve," Fry said.

There are currently four detectives and 24 patrol officers from the Moscow Police Department, 22 investigators and two behavior analysis units from the FBI and 20 investigators from the Idaho State Police working this case.

Victim Remembered by Former Coach

A basketball coach in Washington recently spoke with the Seattle-based television station KIRO-TV about his memories of Ethan Chapin, one of four University of Idaho students found stabbed to death earlier this week.

Tyler Amaya, a coach in Skagit County, described Chapin as "a top-notch kid" and "one of the best kids you'll ever meet." He also said Chapin "represented the best of humanity, truly."

Amaya told the station he began coaching Chapin when Chapin was in fourth grade, and that they kept in touch. Amaya and Chapin played basketball and lifted weights together, Amaya said. Their "coach/player relationship over the years turned into more of a brotherhood," he said.

Chapin and three of his roommates were found dead in their off-campus home on November 13. Police have not yet publicly identified any suspects or persons of interest in the case.

Parent Urges Police to 'Share What They Know'

The father of one of the four University of Idaho students found stabbed to death earlier this week is calling on officials to "share what they know" as information about the killings remains sparse.

Five days after the four students' bodies were found, law enforcement officials have not named any suspects or persons of interest in the case. The City of Moscow Police Department has encouraged anyone who believes they may have information about the murders to contact police.

Ethan Chapin was one of the four students found dead. His father, Jim Chapin, told Fox News Digital that there is a "lack of information" coming from both police and university officials. The lack of updates on the investigation's progress "further compounds our family's agony," Chapin said.

For his son and the other three victims, "I urge officials to speak the truth, share what they know, find the assailant, and protect the greater community," Chapin told Fox News Digital.

School community members are also calling for more information from law enforcement. According to NBC News, the editor of the university newspaper said she is "personally frustrated" that more information has not been shared with the public, adding, "It doesn't feel like they're being real to the community."

Case Using Most Resources Prosecutor Has Ever Seen

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson told the Spokane, Washington-based news station KXLY that the murders last weekend of four University of Idaho students involves a volume of investigative resources he hasn't seen before in the three decades he's spent in the prosecutor's office.

The City of Moscow Police Department, the Idaho State Police and the FBI are all working on the case. These law enforcement agencies "have brought in probably more resources than I've ever seen in my 30 years in Latah County," the Idaho prosecutor told the station on Friday.

Thompson said he and the responding agencies "don't know why it happened and whoever is responsible is still out there." He said he is "hoping they find answers soon."

Police had not named any suspects or persons of interest by Friday evening, though they did share an updated map and timeline showing the four students' movements in the hours before the murders. Police have asked anyone who believes they may have information to contact law enforcement.

Thompson told the station the events that occurred before the students' bodies were found was "crucial information" for investigators working on the case.

Police Look for Footage Near Food Truck, Report

Police in Moscow are reportedly searching for surveillance footage in the area where two University of Idaho students were spotted in the hours before they were stabbed to death.

On Friday afternoon, the City of Moscow Police Department released an updated map and timeline that said two of the victims, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, were at a food truck along South Main Street at about 1:40 a.m. on November 13.

Audrey Conklin of Fox News reported that officers were visiting stores in the area near the food truck to inquire about the existence of surveillance footage that might show the movements Goncalves and Mogen made that night.

A Twitch video from the food truck showed Goncalves and Mogen there early on November 13. A man dressed in a dark jacket and white or light-colored hoodie could also be seen in the food truck's video. Idaho State Police told the Boise-based television news station KTVB that officers have spoken with the man seen in the video as part of "a standard action" and said he has not been identified as either a suspect or person of interest in the case.

University to Hold Candlelight Vigil for Victims Next Week

The University of Idaho will hold a candlelight vigil next week for the four students who were murdered off campus earlier this week.

The vigil on Wednesday, Nov. 30 will honor the memories of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET on the east lawn of the Administration Building.

GoFundMe pages have also been set up to support each of the victims' families.

• Xana Kernodle
• Ethan Chapin
• Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen

Texas Roadhouse to Hold Fundraiser for Victims

Texas Roadhouse is hosting a fundraiser for the four slain University of Idaho students.

One of the victims, Xana Kernodle, worked at the steakhouse chain in Coeur d'Alene before she left for college.

"Xana was a part of our Roadie family before she moved to Moscow, and she will be dearly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of these four students," a Facebook post said.

That Texas Roadhouse location will donate a portion of its sales on Monday Nov. 21 from 3 to 9 p.m. to support the families of Xana, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.

"Texas Roadhouse in Coeur d'Alene wants to do what we can to support the families of the University of Idaho Students who tragically had their lives taken too soon," the Facebook post said.

The restaurant is encouraging patrons to join their staff in wearing black and gold, the university's colors, in support of "#VandalStrong."

Victims Reportedly Called Same Person Several Times

The sister of one University of Idaho students found dead last weekend said several calls were placed to the same person early on November 13, the day four students' bodies were found.

Alivia Goncalves said during an interview with Inside Edition that she is looking for information that could help with the case on her own.

"We are not getting any answers and we are not going to settle for that," she said.

Goncalves described seeking out surveillance footage near the home where her sister, Kaylee, lived. She also described a flurry of calls that she said were made from her sister's phone to a person named Jack between 2 and 3 a.m. on November 13.

"At 2:26 a.m., Kaylee starts to call Jack," Goncalves said. "Kaylee calls Jack six times between 2:26 a.m. to 2:44 a.m.," and made another call to that person at 2:52 a.m., she said.

One of Kaylee's roommates, Madison Mogen, also made three calls to the same person between 2:44 and 2:52 a.m., Goncalves said. Mogen was also among the students found dead later that day.

Victim's Boyfriend, Family Planned to See Her at Thanksgiving

One of the murdered University of Idaho students was expecting to spend the upcoming holiday with her boyfriend and his family.

Jake Schriger was dating 21-year-old Madison Mogen, who was among the four students stabbed to death on Sunday night.

His mother, Stacy Schriger, told the New York Post that her son's world has been "turned upside down."

"[Madison] and Jake were like peanut butter and jelly," she said.

Schriger was planning on seeing Mogen for Thanksgiving next week, adding that she was like part of the family.

"We were expecting her for Thanksgiving," Schriger said. "Whenever we talked on the phone, she always said, 'I love you.'"

She described Mogen as "the most beautiful person, inside and out."

"She was motivated and made things look easy," Schriger said. "She was a beautiful young lady. All of the young adults involved in this were amazing young people."

Coroner Finds No Indication of Sexual Assault

Investigators did not see any initial signs of sexual assault among the four University of Idaho students murdered in their home earlier this week.

After the the autopsies were completed in Spokane, Washington, all four deaths were classified as homicides by stabbing.

"On behalf of the Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office, I would like to extend condolences to the loved ones of these young people and to everyone impacted by this terrible event," Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Veena Singh said in a press release.

Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt said students were stabbed more than once and may have sustained defense wounds, according to the Spokesman-Review.

Mabbutt said their wounds "were pretty extensive." She also told several outlets that the killings seemed "personal."

The paper also reported that Mabbutt said there were no indications of sexual assault.

A full autopsy report will not likely be available for another three to six weeks while toxicology reports are completed. But Mabbutt told reporters that she does not think toxicology reports will impact how officials classify the manner or cause of death.

Police Share Updated Map, Timeline

The City of Moscow Police Department shared an updated map and timeline as authorities continue investigating the murders earlier this week of four University of Idaho students.

Police have not yet publicly identified any suspects in the murders and are seeking tips from individuals who may have information.

"The following map details the night of November 12th into the early hours of November 13th, with the locations and approximate times when Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were in downtown Moscow while Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle were at the Sigma Chi house," police said.

The map police shared on Facebook identifies the home where the four students' bodies were found at about noon on November 13. It also draws attention to the students' movements around town the night of November 12 and early in the morning on November 13.

Two of the students, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, attended a Sigma Chi Party at 735 Nez Perce Drive around 8 and 9 p.m. local time on November 12, the timeline says. Chapin and Kernodle were both back at the residence they shared with roommates by about 1:45 a.m. on November 13.

The other two students, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, were at the Corner Club on 202 North Main Street at about 10 p.m. on November 12 until about 1:30 a.m. on November 13. They then went to the Grub Truck on 318 South Main Street at about 1:40 a.m. and were back at the residence by around 1:45 a.m.

Increased Security to Remain Through Weekend

The University of Idaho will maintain elevated security levels on campus through the weekend as the recent murders of four students remain unsolved.

The university on Thursday urged "increased vigilance" to the student community and said students "will see an increased security presence through the weekend."

"This is an intentional increase in response to your concerns and not a reflection of any new information or heightened threat communicated by MPD," the university said.

The university also alerted students to the elevated on-campus security presence in an Instagram story. The story reminded students that SafeWalk services and counseling will continue to be available.

The City of Moscow Police Department shared photos Thursday on Facebook of some Idaho State Police (ISP) officers who were on campus. ISP contributed "extra police presence" around schools in Moscow on Thursday, including at the University of Idaho.

Police Asking Businesses for Knife Sales

Police have begun searching for local businesses who might have sold a knife around the time of the murders at the University of Idaho.

Idaho State Police told KTVB-TV that investigators are canvassing local businesses that may have sold a knife recently.

The Latah County Coroner said the four students were stabbed to death. Police are still searching for the murder weapon and possible suspect(s).

"We are still in the beginning of the investigation," Idaho State Police Communications Director Aaron Snell said.

Snell added that interviews will happen "wherever a student is at for fall break."

Hundreds Attend Vigil in Boise

A vigil was held Thursday night at Boise State University (BSU) in remembrance of the four University of Idaho students who were killed in their home last weekend.

BSU said on social media that the vigil was organized by its student government in collaboration with BSU's dean of students and University of Idaho families.

"Bronco Nation mourns the loss of these lives and offers our condolences to the students' families and friends, our sister institution and the entire Moscow community," the university said in a post on Instagram. The vigil included a moment of silence and student remarks, with counseling available for attendees.

Hundreds of people attended the vigil, according to The Idaho Statesman. BSU's president, Marlene Tromp, was among those at the vigil wearing the University of Idaho's colors, the paper reported.

"Today, our long-standing rivalry is set aside," the paper quoted Tromp as saying during the vigil. "Today, we come together to create light in a painful and dark time. We are all Vandals."

BSU shared photos taken during the vigil on Twitter Friday morning. One photo showed pictures and flowers left by mourners. Other photos showed students gathered around lit candles.

University Urges Community to Remain Vigilant

The University of Idaho is asking the community to remain vigilant, days after four students were murdered off-campus.

"The Moscow Police Department maintains that this appears to be a targeted attack," university President Scott Green said in a statement Thursday. "Because the suspect remains at large, we recommend increased vigilance."

He said the university community is still working through their "grief and a range of emotions."

"Compounding this is the frustration and concern that no one has been arrested for these crimes," he said. "We continue to push for justice."

The university said it will remain flexible to allow room for students and faculty to "process these unprecedented events in their own ways."

"Students, you are encouraged to do what is right for you," Green said. "Whether this is going home early or staying in class, you have our support."

On-campus counseling services are available, as the university is prepared to "increase support" in the days and weeks ahead.

"We are a Vandal Family, and that has never been more evident than now," Green added.

Roommates May Be 'Key' to Solving Case, Police

Idaho police say the two female survivors who were roommates with the four University of Idaho students killed last weekend could be "key" in solving the case.

Aaron Snell, the Idaho State Police communications director, told ABC News that "everyone is still being investigated" as authorities search for answers. No one has been either "included or excluded as a person of interest and/or a suspect," Snell said.

The two surviving roommates "are working and talking with detectives," Snell told ABC News, adding that they "have been cooperative, very cooperative, with detectives."

A spokesperson for the family of one surviving roommate told ABC News that she was "traumatized" and working with the FBI as agents investigate the case.

Police have not shared who found the bodies of the four students or who called 911 to report the murders. Snell said investigators are hoping the surviving roommates can assist with filling in the timeline between when the four students died and when the 911 call was placed.

"Potentially they are witnesses, potentially they are victims," Snell said. "Potentially they're the key to this whole thing."

Father of Victim Says Daughter Fought Back Against Attacker

The father of one of the victims said his daughter fought back against her attacker.

In an interview with KTVK-TV, Jeffrey Kernodle, father of Xana Kernodle, said his daughter had "bruises" and was "torn by the knife."

"She's a tough kid," he said. "Whatever she wanted to do, she could do it."

Kernodle also said the home where the murders took place had "locks with a number code."

"Every time you go, you have to go around the house because of the number code so they either knew that or went around and maybe found the slider door open," he said.

Kernodle added that he last heard from his daughter before she went out that night.

"I think midnight was the last time we heard from her and she was fine," he added.

Coroner Says Students Were Stabbed to Death

A coroner has ruled the deaths of the four University of Idaho homicides.

After conducting the autopsies Wednesday, Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt said the four roommates were murdered by stabbing.

In a press release Tuesday, Moscow, Idaho police said investigators believe that the students were killed with "an edged weapon such as a knife." No murder weapon has been recovered yet.

Mabbutt said the murders happened late at night or early in the morning, indicating that the victims were likely asleep when they were stabbed.

"It was a very sad scene with four murdered college students," she told KREM-TV Tuesday, "Since I've been coroner, there have been at least two other multiple homicide scenes that I've been involved in. It's the only one I've been to where there have been four people at one scene. The other ones have had multiple scenes."

Mabbutt told NewsNation Thursday that each victims had "multiple stab wounds" but most had one fatal stab wound to the chest or upper body area.

"It was a pretty large knife, so it's difficult to call them 'puncture wounds,'" she added. "They were definitely stabbings. It has to be somebody who's pretty angry in order to stab four people to death."

Moscow, Idaho Mayor Art Bettge told the New York Times that these killings appear to be a "crime of passion."

"With a crime of this magnitude, it's very difficult to work through," he said. "The overall assessment is that it's a crime of passion," he said.

FBI Joins Manhunt for Suspect

The FBI has joined the investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students.

Moscow Idaho Police Chief James Fry said federal agents have joined the Latah County Sheriff's Office and the Idaho State Police. He said there are 25-plus investigators working on the case as the murderer is "still out there."

Investigators are still collecting evidence at the scene of the crime and search for any suspects nearly one week after the killings.

An FBI spokesperson told Fox News Thursday that its Behavioral Analysis Unit is assisting local law enforcement officials in the case.

The unit performs "crime analysis, profiles of unknown offenders, investigative suggestions, threat assessments, interview strategies," and "critical incident analysis."

At a press conference Wednesday, Fry told the community to "be vigilant."

"We do not have a suspect at this time, and we cannot say there is no threat to the community," he said. "There is a threat out there, possibly."