The house where four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death will be demolished, according to a letter sent to students and employees this morning from President Scott Green.

The owner of the off-campus house gave it to the university and Green says the demolition will be a healing step and it “removes efforts to further sensationalize the crime scene.”

U of I is considering options for the future development of the property, and may involve students in the decision-making process. 

Four U of I students — Ethan Chapin, 20, a freshman from Mount Vernon, Wash.; Kaylee Goncalves, 21, a senior from Rathdrum; Xana Kernodle, 20, a junior from Post Falls; and Madison Mogen, 21, a senior from Coeur d’Alene — were killed in the house on Nov. 13. Two of the victims were found dead on the second floor of the house. Two other victims were found dead on the third floor. Two other residents of the house were present during the attack, but were unhurt.

Early planning is underway to create a memorial on campus for the four students — possibly a garden — by a committee that includes students. Also, endowed scholarships in their memory have been established.

“We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison and Kaylee, and I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory,” Green wrote. “Together we will rebuild and continue to support each other.”

Washington State University doctoral student Bryan Kohberger was arrested for the crimes on Dec. 30 at his family’s home in Pennsylvania and extradited to Idaho. He faces four first-degree murder charges and a burglary charge in connection with the deaths. Kohberger is being held in the Latah County Jail, and awaits a June 26 preliminary hearing.