Idaho
‘Healing garden’ erected in memory of 4 slain University of Idaho students: ‘Always find light’
The still-grieving University of Idaho community dedicated a “healing garden” Wednesday to the four students viciously murdered in their off-campus home nearly two years ago.
The student-designed flower patch honors the lives of all students who died while enrolled at the school, but specifically memorializes Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen.
“It’s a reminder that even in moments of sadness, always find light. In the wake of tragedy, I take great inspiration from the amazing resilience of the families involved,” Dean of Student Blaine Eckles said at the unveiling ceremony.
The Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial was established as a “permanent space for quiet reflection, remembrance, hope and healing” — following community outrage ignited by the demolition of the off-campus rental where the foursome was stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2022.
The small walking path, complete with a “Memory Garden” and overhang, is wedged between several academic buildings and peppered with various flora and fauna.
It was designed by the University of Idaho’s architecture students and “inspired by community input.”
There was public outcry earlier this year — including from the victims’ family members — when the three-story home at 1122 King Road was torn down.
Protesters demanded that the home remain intact until after suspected killer Bryan Kohberger’s trial concluded in case the building harbored remaining evidence.
But school officials, who were given the house after the tragedy, called the structure a “grim reminder of the heinous act that took place there.”
A university spokesperson told The Post that the memorial garden was not meant to replace the off-campus home because the site was never intended to be a place of reflection.
The Vandal Healing Garden and Memorial also honors lost students other than Kernodle, Chapin, Goncalves and Mogen, the representative noted.
Prosecutors believe Kohberger broke into the off-campus house around 4 a.m. and stabbed the four friends to death inside their bedrooms. Lifelong pals Mogen and Goncalves were sharing a bed at the time, while couple Kernodle and Chapin were sleeping across the hall.
Kohberger’s defense team claims he was not in the vicinity of the property, but was instead on a late-night drive miles away in Washington State to look at the moon and stars.
At the time of the slayings, Kohberger was a criminology Ph.D student at Washington State University, just eight miles away from the house.
The state will pursue the death penalty at Kohberger’s trial, which is set for June 2025.
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Three people overdosed from suspected fentanyl on Tuesday.
The Idaho Falls Police Department reports three people on the 500 block of Ridge Avenue and the 200 block of Short Street overdosed on fentanyl on Tuesday. Two of the overdoses were deadly.
East Idaho News reports police say the deceased individuals were identified as two women, a 24-year-old and a 63-year-old.
Police say they do not believe that the overdoses were connected to a “bad batch” of fentanyl, but rather that the users believed the substance to be a different drug.
It is not clear what drug the fentanyl was mistaken for or made to look like.
According to the release, fentanyl can be found in several forms, including powder, and may appear in different colors and consistencies, making it difficult to identify.
“Because of this, individuals may unknowingly ingest fentanyl while believing they are using a different substance,” according to the release. “These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers fentanyl poses within our community.”
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other narcotics, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, says police. Even a very small amount can be deadly.
The Idaho Falls Police Department, along with community partners, is continuing to investigate these incidents and work to identify and disrupt the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our area.
“We encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately and urge friends and family members to check in on loved ones who may be at risk,” says the release.
Important safety reminders:
Never take pills or substances that are not prescribed directly to you.
Be aware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl.
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of an overdose, including slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or blue or gray skin coloration.
Carrying and administering Narcan (naloxone) can save lives during an opioid overdose emergency.
Anyone with information related to narcotics distribution in the Idaho Falls area is encouraged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or submit anonymous tips through East Idaho Crime Stoppers.
BOISE COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — A traffic stop along the Highway 21 corridor in Boise County led to the arrest of an Idaho City woman on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 21, 2026, at about 6:40 p.m., a Boise County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic safety enforcement saw a gray car traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the deputy recognized behaviors associated with drug activity.
K9 Sage was deployed for a free open-air sniff and alerted on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Rochelle Kinney, 46, of Idaho City, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to traffic safety enforcement and addressing drug possession that endangers public safety within Boise County,” the Boise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Concertgoers heading to see Bailey Zimmerman at the Ford Idaho Center on June 5 will be able to kick off the venue’s amphitheater season early with a tailgate-style pre-show party featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, prizes and giveaways, and photo opportunities.
The Ford Idaho Center is hosting its first-ever amphitheater season kickoff party ahead of Zimmerman’s show, partnering with CBH Homes.
Arielle McCormick, CBH Homes’ Director of brand and vision, said the company has long focused on making people feel welcome at community events.
“As Idaho’s number one home builder, we’ve been welcoming Idahoans home for 34 years,” McCormick said. “Making people feel welcomed and ready for fun at whatever event they are here for.”
Organizers said the pre-show party will include a live DJ to keep the energy up before the concert, along with food, drinks, prizes, giveaways and photo ops. Gypsy Tattoo will also be on site offering free flash tattoos inspired by live music.
“I’ve heard they are real tattoos, real flash tattoos, first come, first serve,” McCormick said. “So get here at four-thirty on June 5th.”
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The kickoff party starts at 4:30 p.m., hours before showtime. The event is only for Bailey Zimmerman ticket holders. Tickets have not sold out, but organizers say supplies are limited.
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