BOISE, Idaho — The University of Idaho on Wednesday announced it will hold off on plans to demolish the home where four students were killed in November.
The announcement comes on the heels of some of the victims’ families protesting the demolition. In a news release, the university said it will continue lead paint and asbestos abatement on the property, which it intends to demolish in October. Initially, university officials said they hoped to raze the building before Aug. 21, when students would return to campus for the fall semester.
The new date coincides with the scheduled Oct. 2 start date for the trial of suspect Bryan Kohberger, who is charged with the killings of Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21; and junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, both 20.
If convicted, Kohberger faces the death penalty.
Earlier this month, Shanon Gray, an attorney for the Goncalves family, told the Idaho Statesman the university was disregarding the family’s request that the house remain standing until after the trial concludes. Gray said the Mogen and Kernodle families shared the same view.