King Road house going down after all

The King Road house where four University of Idaho students were killed last year in Moscow is set to be demolished the morning of Dec. 28.

UI announced Thursday that the defense team for suspect Bryan Kohberger was given access to the house Thursday and today as it prepares its case for a trial. A trial date has not yet been set. The FBI was given access to the house in October to obtain additional data.

“The defense indicated they want to take photographs. measurements and possibly gather drone footage of the house,” the UI news release said.

The house will then be demolished later this month. The home where UI students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were killed on Nov. 13, 2022, was given to the university earlier this year.

“It is the grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there,” UI President Scott Green said in a statement. “While we appreciate the emotional connection some family members of the victims may have to this house, it is time for its removal and to allow the collective healing of our community to continue.”

UI first announced its intentions to demolish the house in February. A memo from Green at that time said the demolition will remove efforts to sensationalize the crime scene and serve as a healing step for the community.

Family members of the victims later requested that UI leave the house standing until after the trial in case it’s needed for evidence. Kohberger’s defense team and the FBI were both given access to the home.

When the FBI visited in late October, investigators used drones and camera devices to construct visual exhibits for the trial.

Idaho Education News reported in August that it cost the university $98,000 to secure the home, remediate hazardous substances and prepare it for demolition.

UI said Thursday that Germer Construction of Moscow will serve as general contractor for the demolition. Germer will perform site rehabilitation, grading, utility disconnection and demolition assistance, at a reduced cost to the university.

During its demolition, which may take several days, King Road will be blocked off to traffic and on-street parking will be suspended.

Kohberger remains in Latah County Jail on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.