Police in Idaho said Tuesday they believe a “sharp weapon” such as a knife was used in a “targeted attack” on four students, shedding light on a case that has shaken a local community grappling with unanswered questions.
Police in the city of Moscow said they did not recover a weapon, but reached the conclusion based on preliminary information. The victims, all students at the University of Idaho, were found dead in an off-campus residence on Sunday, police said.
“Autopsies are scheduled for later this week and will hopefully provide more definitive information on the exact cause of death,” police said.
All four deaths have been ruled a homicide and police said they have no suspect in custody.
“Investigators believe this was an isolated, targeted attack and there is no imminent threat to the community at large,” police said, adding that they are recreating a timeline of events in an effort to identify individuals of interest.
Moscow Mayor Art Bettge has speculated that the deaths may be related to a “crime gone wrong” or a “crime of passion”.
The students killed were identified Monday as Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison May, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21.
This is a breaking news story. Check back later for updates.