‘It’s been a heartache in the entire community’: Students prepare for campus return as Moscow murders investigation continues
MOSCOW, Idaho. — Nearly two months after four University of Idaho students were murdered near camps, spring classes at U of I are starting this Wednesday.
Some students are already getting settled back into their dorms and apartments this weekend. Students coming back this semester can expect brand new and returning security measures on campus.
While the news of Bryan Kohberger’s arrest, the person accused of killing the four U of I students, provides relief to some students, the University is still keeping safety a top priority.
READ: Community reacts to Bryan Kohberger’s arrival in Moscow
“There [are] no easy answers, and unfortunately, life is full of violence at times, but we are putting every effort into place to create a safe learning experience,” Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Idaho Blaine Eckles said.
U of I administrators say after the murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, they are working diligently to make sure their students can feel safe again. Eckels says they have increased campus security officers and will maintain a large presence of security on campus.
While some students are still shaken by these murders in their own community, one says these safety measures have helped.
“The tragic events that have happened, I don’t know if it will ever feel the same, but I think just being conscious of knowing what’s happened and having more protections in place has been huge,” Paige Palzinski, a sophomore at the University of Idaho, said.
Another student says the new changes in security are noticeable campus-wide.
“They have post-it notes of a number you can call that has the on-campus security walk, they’ll have the campus security come in and they’ll walk you to and from your dorms,” Piper Krier, a junior at U of I, said.
Those car rides are part of a new program to help increase safety for students.
Eckles says students could call not only for a safety escort program but also if they didn’t feel safe walking across campus. This means they can call in the evening hours when it’s dark and can be picked up.
While Palzinksi says these new measures are helpful upon her return to campus, there are some students still healing.
“It’s been a heartache in the entire community,” Palzinski said.
Detectives are still asking for anyone with information to provide it to them. You can provide information to their tip line at 208-883-7180. You can also email them at tipline@ci.moscow.id.us or send digital media to fbi.gov/moscowidaho.
READ: Home where Moscow murders took place will remain a crime scene until February
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