MOSCOW, Idaho – It has been exactly one year since four University of Idaho students were killed in the middle of the night.
This year has been enduring for the family, friends, and entire community as this tragic anniversary returns to the Palouse.
Today’s date, though, brings back many memories for students in Moscow.
“November 13th, 2022 at 1:04 p.m. ‘Vandal Alert. Moscow PD investigating a homicide on King Rd. near campus.’ And when that went out, I remember confusion and taken back cause that doesn’t happen in Moscow,” University of Idaho graduate Seth Bowen reading the Vandal Alert text message sent last year.
A day that many Vandals will never forget.
“I remember immediately getting up off the couch, talking to my roommate, and we’re like we need to lock the door, we need to text our friends,” Bowen recalled.
This will be one of Bowen’s most vivid memories as a student on campus.
We’re now exactly one year from the heartbreaking events that happened that frightful morning of November 13th.
“Usually I just think Moscow is happy, jubilant. People are laughing going to and from and it definitely seems a little bit more reserved today as people reflect on what happened here,” Bowen said.
U of I senior Madison Fitzgerald knew Ethan and Xana.
“I just remember them being the happiest people on the planet and they’re kind of yes mans. And that’s something that I strive to implement in my daily life,” Fitzgerald said.
Madison reflects the positivity in Xana and Ethan every day. A good message to spread – “Cherish your friends, hold onto them, smile through the heartache, smile through the pain that is life sometimes, and know that there are four beautiful people up there, looking at us, and wanting us to carry on and be content,” Fitzgerald said.
Optimism shining from the Moscow skies, carrying a message from the four, who had their whole lives ahead of them.
A vigil will begin at 6 p.m. If you can’t make it, NonStop Local will be streaming the vigil live here on our website.
And to remember the four in your neighborhood, you’re encouraged to turn your porch light on from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in remembrance.
