The University of Idaho's decision to demolish the off-campus house where four students were tragically murdered has ignited a dispute with the victims' families. The families argue that the house should be preserved until the trial of the accused killer, Bryan Kohberger, concludes.

Shanon Gray, an attorney representing the family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the victims, expressed their disappointment to the Idaho Statesman, stating that the university disregarded their opinions and prioritized its own interests. Gray emphasized the evidentiary significance of the house, describing it as a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

Following the murders, the property owner donated the house to the university, which subsequently announced its demolition plans. The university intends to create a memorial garden on campus, but the specific location remains undisclosed. University President Scott Green justified the demolition as a step towards healing and removing the physical structure associated with the crime.

While a firm demolition date hasn't been set, work crews were observed at the King Road house recently. Gray reiterated the families' objections to the demolition, highlighting the potential evidentiary value of the house for the prosecution, defense, and jury. He suggested that postponing the demolition until after the trial would respect the families' wishes and support the judicial process.

University spokesperson Jodi Walker informed the Statesman that the university aims to remove the house by August 21, coinciding with the start of the fall semester. Walker explained that their current focus is on carefully retrieving and returning personal belongings to the families.

The six-bedroom house, formerly a hub for the university's Greek Life scene, is located near fraternity and sorority houses on school property.

The four students, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle, were fatally stabbed on November 13, 2022. The Latah County coroner indicated that some of the victims may have been asleep when the attack began.

Under 24-hour surveillance for over six months, the house has been boarded up with temporary fencing surrounding the property.

Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, located approximately 10 miles away, is the suspect in the case.

Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary charge. His trial is scheduled for October 2. He is currently held without bail at the Latah County Jail in Moscow, Idaho.