The Moscow Police Department said rumors and speculation about the death of four University of Idaho students led to harassment and death threats toward those involved in the case. 

“The most unfortunate part of it is the effect that it’s had on the victims’ families, on the college students and friends of the victims  —  some of whom have had death threats … in many ways, it just revictimizes the folks who have already suffered this terrible trauma,” said Moscow PD Capt. Roger Lanier in a Moscow PD video. 

Rumors are a “huge distraction” for investigators, who have to reduce speculation and go through tips that are based on rumors rather than facts released by the police, he said. People involved in threatening or harassing those involved in the case can face criminal charges. 

Police have “a lot” of information but are “keeping that information safe” to protect the case and those involved, Lanier said in a Moscow PD video on Dec. 12.

“We want more than an arrest. We want a conviction,” he said. “We owe that justice to Xana, Kaylee, Madison and Ethan.”

Lanier said police will continue its search for the 2011-13 Hyundai Elantra, which was likely near King Road early in the morning of Nov. 13. Police believe the car was near King Road during the time of the murders and that the occupant, or occupants, may have seen something.

Investigators are also going through video footage near King Road, gas stations and around Moscow, which was submitted from the public to an FBI website, Lanier said. Analysts are reinterviewing some of the people they previously interviewed earlier in the investigation to clarify information or provide insight into new information. 

“It may seem like we’re backtracking, but we’re really just trying to get the most important details and the best timeline that we can come up with,” he said. 

Exactly one month following the death of Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin, Lanier reflected on where the case began. 

When he arrived at the scene, he saw college students, friends and families standing on King Road — some in tears — having heard through word-of-mouth about the homicide.  He said the moment was hard for young officers as well, many of whom had never encountered a major crime scene until that moment. 

“The scene wasn’t chaos … but it was very, very somber,” he said. 

Lanier said the homicide case is far from cold, as police are still taking valid tips every day. While the case does not present an “elevated risk,” he reminded the public to remain vigilant. 

“We should make that a way of life for us. We should always be walking with our head up, sticking to lighted paths and walking in groups if we can.”