Three months since the murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, the victims’ white house still stands as a reminder of the Vandal community’s loss.
A Friday communication from University of Idaho President Scott Green announced plans to demolish the home, establish scholarship funds and create a memorial garden.
King Road home
The owner of the home has granted UI ownership of the King Road property. In the interest of moving forward and deterring sensationalized media, the home will be demolished as soon as possible, according to UI Senior Director of Communications Jodi Walker.
“We’re really determined to maintain their dignity,” Walker said. “There’s definitely still interest (in the house).”
UI’s outsourced security force, Hells Canyon Security, has been doing additional rounds on King Road, Walker said.
“We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison and Kaylee,” Green wrote in his communication. “I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory. Together we will rebuild and continue to support each other.”
Vandals Supporting Vandals
A peer-driven fundraiser for scholarship endowments in memory of the victims has been spearheaded by alumni Gene Taft and Bob Urso, and wife Gail Urso. The scholarships would help support future Vandals in their educational pursuits.
“It’s really wrapped around this incredible support pouring in,” Walker said.
As of Green’s communication, Vandals Supporting Vandals has established three of the four funds.
The university is still in the process of working with the Goncalves family.
Memorial garden
Not just for Kernodle, Chapin, Mogen and Goncalves, a garden on UI’s campus will honor Vandals who have passed with a memorial to the four serving as a focal point.
Several somewhat-private locations are being considered, according to Walker, with a committee developing a plan.
The garden design will involve collaboration with students from the College of Art and Architecture.
As an independent, student fundraiser, Vandal Strong bracelets are being sold to raise money for the garden. All funds have been pledged to the UI memorial, with bracelet sales continuing until the end of February, according to ASUI Chief of Staff Olivia Niemi.
Some good has come from the dark, with Green commending the community’s ability to be compassionate and generous in the months following the tragedy.
“From the day we learned of the senseless deaths of (the victims), the outpouring of support from our Vandal Family has been tremendous,” Green wrote. “Everywhere I turn, people are asking what they can do to help. What resulted is an incredible display of what it means to be a Vandal.”
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @haadiyatariq
Cheryl
Dan Estey and Scott Perky.I highly recommend looking them both up..start with Small World Software LLC...and that will lead you to MUCH.
Go Vandals!
If the home was 'donated' to the University, who owns it? Why aren't they disclosing those that are interested? Who is the list of groups interested in the property, and for what purpose? We appreciate your feedback, UI Argonaut! Go Vandals!
Hannah
Dan Estey & Scott Perky
Anne
I would let the trees take over that land parcel. Carve out a couple of well-lit foot paths or something. You don't want that space to be a site of "dark tourism."
Pat
On the one hand, I can completely understand the desire to tear down the house, since it serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the tragedy. On the other hand though, a part of me is sad that this place, where the 4 students made so many happy, fun-filled memories with each other and with other students, will be gone forever. It's wrong that one diabolical human should be able to take that away too. It feels like it's just completely erasing their lives, in a sense. In any case, I wish healing for everyone involved, particularly the families and friends who are grieving.
Lynn Orr
This is so wonderful! What a magnificent idea. I have been following this story from Montana, from day 1. My heart just breaks for all the families as well as the entire community of Moscow. What a tragedy. But the Moscow community has handled it all with such dignity and you continue to do so. Keep up the good work. Sending prayers ❤️