Slain Idaho student’s mother learned important hint

• Four students were killed last month in Idaho college.
• Authorities didn’t notify the mother before asking about a white automobile.
• Kristi Goncalve learned about the Dec. 7 request for information from her daughter.

The mother of one of the four Idaho college students killed last month says authorities didn’t notify her before asking about a white automobile.

Kristi Goncalves, Kaylee’s mother, said she learned about the Dec. 7 request for information from her daughter, who read about it in the news.

“I wondered how long they’d had this info. What’s their source? Was it recorded? She said her elation turned to confusion when she realized she knew the clue too.

“The US just found out,” she stated.

The request, which a lawyer for Goncalves described as the Moscow Police Department’s first plea to the community, gave the family optimism that the quadruple crime may be solved.

Goncalves: “We thought it was over.” “Our family felt that this was it.”

Moscow police claimed a 2011-2013 Elantra was seen near the home where the students were found dead on Nov. 13.

Investigators believe the vehicle’s occupants may have important information about the crime. Your information, whether you think it’s important or not, may help solve these murders.

Madison Mogen, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, also lived at the property. Ethan Chapin, Kernodle’s boyfriend, stayed the night. Some had defensive wounds, and authorities suspect they died in their sleep.

The murder weapon, a fixed-blade knife, hasn’t been located.

Shanon Gray, Goncalves’ attorney, criticized Moscow police for not informing the family.

Gray said families should be ready to answer questions. When victims’ relatives know and trust the police, they can sleep at night.

A police representative forwarded Gray an email with the release on Dec. 7. Robbie Johnson, a spokeswoman, said the email kept the Goncalves family informed.

Johnson didn’t say when the message was released.

Goncalves slammed Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt, calling her TV interviews “salt in the wound.”

“Every time we turn around, there’s another — I don’t know if they’re fresh or old — and I’m like, oh, my gosh, how many did she do?” said Goncalves. Goncalves remarked, “I’m sorry, that paints an image.”

Mabbutt called the family to discuss Kaylee’s injuries, and her 17-year-old daughter answered. Mabbutt asked her daughter, “Are you sure?” My daughter, believing she did, said yes.

Gray said Mabbutt’s description was “memorable, but not good.”

“I assume the coroner thought she was helpful — I’m not sure — but [she] told the families about the investigation and crime scene,” he said.

He said such facts shouldn’t have been supplied to the teen or her parents.

Mabbutt didn’t comment.

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