Idaho University students seen in heartbreaking final pics just day before friends were found dead in ‘crime of passion’

FOUR college students smile in heartbreaking photos taken hours before they were all found dead in what officials are calling a “crime of passion.”

Police identified the victims as Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, after they died in an apparent homicide that has rocked a small Idaho community.

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University of Idaho officials have revealed new details about the victims, who were found dead near the campus in the city of Moscow on Sunday.

Ethan Chapin was a freshman and member of the Sigma Chi fraternity from Mount Vernon, Washington, who specialized in recreation, sports and tourism management, college officials said.

According to social media posts, he appeared to be dating Xana Kernodle — a junior from Post Falls, Idaho who is studying marketing.

She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority with Madison Mogen.

Mogen, a senior from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, also studied marketing.

Kaylee Goncalves was a senior general studies major from Rathdrum, Idaho, and was a member of the Alpha Phi fraternity.

The day before police made the tragic discovery, Goncalves shared a heartbreaking picture of the four friends with the caption: “A happy girl surrounded by these people every day.”

Friends and family have used the comments to offer their condolences to Goncalves and the other victims.

“Rest in peace Kaylee you are so so loved,” someone said.

Another person commented, “Rest easy pretty girls,” with a heart.

Others said they would pray for the family.

Moscow Mayor Art Bettge called the deaths “senseless” and a “crime of passion,” although he said little information can be released at this time.

“This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that senseless acts of violence can happen anywhere, anytime, and here in our community we are not immune to such events,” he wrote in a statement.

“Today we mourn the lost and those they leave behind.”

“Words cannot adequately describe the light these students brought to this world or alleviate the level of suffering we feel at their deaths in these tragic circumstances,” said University of Idaho President Scott Green in one Explanation.

“No one feels this loss more than their families and friends.

“The University is working directly with those affected and is committed to supporting all students, families and staff as this event undeniably affects us all.”

Police rushed to the property in Moscow, Idaho, just before noon Sunday.

Officers said they were called to reports of an unconscious person.

When they got to the apartment – just minutes from the university campus – they found four dead inside.

The University of Idaho reported the incident via Twitter, urging students to take care of their homes and stay put while the situation unfolds.

Her cause of death is still unclear.

Classes were canceled Monday out of respect for the victims and counselors have been made available to students.

Police are actively investigating the incident and said they do not believe there is an active threat at this time.

No arrests have been made and police have not publicly identified any suspects.

A candlelight vigil commemorated the victims on Monday evening.

The Moscow Police Department asked that anyone with more information about the deaths contact them.

The US Sun has reached out to the Moscow Police Department for comment.