Police claim they are “making progress” in their investigation into the quadruple homicide as the family of the killed Idaho student attends a tribute.

A state police spokeswoman stated on Tuesday that the investigation into the deaths of four University of Idaho students, who were discovered dead about ten days ago, is “making progress.” The statement came the day after the family of one of the victims attended a memorial service.

Prior to a ceremony on Monday in Mount Vernon, Washington, Stacy Chapin referred to her son Ethan Chapin as “one of the most wonderful persons you will ever know.”

Along with Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, Chapin, 20, was discovered dead on November 13. Police responded to a complaint about an unconscious individual and found all four inside a house close to the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, according to authorities. A county coroner concluded that the victims had been fatally stabbed.

State Police media director Aaron Snell told MINIECHAT on Tuesday that detectives are “certainly making progress” in the investigation after speaking with more than 90 individuals and gathering at least 700 leads. After requesting local surveillance footage from the public, authorities are also looking through a lot of information.

He said, “It’s a really horrific crime and this is a very huge operation and inquiry.”

The family of Ethan Chapin gathered on Monday before his burial to give appreciation to their extended family, friends, and the local community, whom she referred to as “beacons of strength.” She also expressed thanks to complete strangers who got in touch with her from all around the nation to offer their support.

“Your generosity and warm remarks are really moving. Please know that we now consider each of you to be friends,” Stacy Chapin remarked as she was surrounded by relatives.

The Moscow Police Department was also honored by Stacy Chapin, who said that its detectives “now shoulder the weight every day not just for us, but for all of the devastated families.”

With support from the FBI, as well as state and municipal law enforcement organizations, the Moscow Police Department is in charge of the investigation into the stabbings.

Wednesday’s press conference is the next opportunity for officials to provide the public an update on the probe.

Public danger that is unknown

Police have said they have neither named a suspect or located the murder weapon, leaving many concerns about the case unresolved.

Anxiety increased when police said they were unable to ensure the public wasn’t at greater risk. The gruesome crime shook the small college town of about 26,000 residents, which hadn’t seen a murder since 2015.

According to Moscow Police Chief James Fry, “We cannot say there is no threat to the community. As we have stated, please stay vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.”

A large number of students left campus before the fall break as a result of the murders and the community’s growing concern.

Zachary Turpin, one of the professors who canceled classes last week, stated on social media that he “can’t in good conscience hold class” until police provide more details or identify a suspect in the killings.

Scott Green, the president of the University of Idaho, Monday sent a note outlining the various educational options. There are two weeks remaining in the semester when classes return after the students’ autumn vacation.

Faculty have been asked to set up options for both in-person instruction and distance learning so that each student can select their preferred method of engagement. Although it is not ideal, moving courses entirely online may be necessary in some circumstances, he wrote.

Commencement exercises are still planned for December 10.

He added that more state troopers would be stationed on campus for the foreseeable future. He added that the size of the school’s security force has also grown.

What the police are aware about the assault

The students’ last known locations and the events leading up to the fatal attack are being compiled into a timeline by investigators.

The night before they were discovered dead, on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Chapin and Kernodle attended a party at the Sigma Chi fraternity house.

Between 10:00 p.m. and 1:30 in the morning, Goncalves and Mogen were at a neighborhood sports bar. According to a live Twitch stream from the food truck, the two were then seen placing an order from a close-by food truck.

They conversed with one other and other passersby as they waited for their lunch for around ten minutes. The truck’s manager informed MINIECHAT that the two did not seem to be in any danger or discomfort.

According to authorities, Goncalves and Mogen took a “private party” home about 1:45 a.m. Investigators stated on Saturday that they don’t think the driver was responsible for the killings. By about 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, all four victims had returned to their home.

Authorities are then trying to figure out when and how the incident happened.

The four students were not discovered dead by responding cops until shortly before noon on Sunday, according to Moscow police, when a 911 report concerning a “unconscious person” was made. According to the police, there were no indications of a forced entrance when they arrived.

Two roommates who were present at the residence throughout the incident and were unharmed “do not think,” according to Moscow police, that they were responsible for the crime.

The kids were “likely sleeping” when they were assaulted, according to Moscow police, who cited the Latah County coroner on Friday. According to the police update, there were no indications of sexual assault and some of the four had defensive wounds, though it is unclear how many victims had them.

The police chief only revealed that the 911 call originated from one of the living roommates’ phones during a press conference on Sunday.

Other “friends that had arrived at the location,” according to Fry, who also said the person who made the 911 call is not a suspect.

Police said that a dog was also discovered at the residence on Monday. The dog was handed over to Animal Services without incident and later released to a responsible party. According to a Facebook post by Moscow Police.

On November 30, a candlelight vigil will be held on campus by the University of Idaho in memory of the four victims.

Please help us light up Idaho by joining us from wherever you are, either individually or in a group. Join us as we come together on campus by lighting a candle, turning on the stadium lights, or observing a moment of silence, the university said.