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University of Idaho unveils healing garden in memory of slain students

(NewsNation) — The University of Idaho unveiled a campus healing garden Wednesday in memory of the four students killed in November 2022.

The Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial was designed, vetted and built by students in the College of Art and Architecture Design-Build Program with guidance from faculty and alumni.


“This beautiful space is a testament to the inspirational response from our community and a symbol of our strength as the Vandal Family,” the university wrote in a Facebook post.

Students who created the memorial led a public dedication ceremony Wednesday to reflect on and honor students the university has lost.

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Nameplates inscribed with the names of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, the four students stabbed to death in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, were also unveiled at the ceremony.

At the end of the event, attendees wrote notes of remembrance and left them on the memorial site. 

Defense lawyers are currently pushing for the trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with the 2022 killings, to be moved to a different county. They argue the change will result in a fairer trial.

The trial is expected to start in June 2025. If convicted, Kohberger, who has pleaded not guilty, could face the death penalty if he is convicted.