Plans to demolish 1122 King Road again on hold

While the trial of alleged murderer Bryan Kohberger will not kick off Oct. 2 as had originally been planned, it does not mean things are not happening behind the scenes.

Recently, the University of Idaho announced for a second time that it would not tear down the home where four students were murdered on Nov. 13, 2022.

Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were slain in the home in the early morning hours of Nov. 13 last year in a crime that has gained worldwide attention.

With this second announcement that the home will remain standing for now, it gives pause to think about the pros and cons of such a decision by the school who owns the home.

On the con side, students and others in the area will be reminded of the tragedy as the home continues to stand.

It also means 24/ security will continue at the residence to keep people out. Sadly, some people would try to more than likely break in and/or damage the property.

On the plus side, the biggest piece of evidence in this crime remains there.

Yes, the home does not look or feel inside like it did when the murders took place last fall.

According to reports, some of the walls and floorboards were removed by authorities. Chemicals used to treat this bio-hazard site also would take a toll on the integrity of the home inside.

Even with all that to think about, I absolutely support keeping the home up until the trial ends.

Should a jury request to see the inside of the home, it of course is up to the judge in the case to grant such a request.

Yes, you can argue that the changes to the home since the murders would present a jury with a different setting. Even with that in mind, a jury could gain more insight into the case by walking around the inside of the home if for nothing else than to see its layout.

You can look at thousands of pictures, dozens of videos etc. taken by authorities inside the home since the murders and it is still NOT the same as being on location for your own eyes and ears. I know if I was on that jury I’d absolutely request to see the layout for myself.

As we moved forward to an eventual trial, hopefully university officials stick to their word and keep the home standing.

Kudos to the security staff protecting the home from those who’d look to do something that most of us would never think of doing.

It is one thing to drive or walk by and snap a picture or two, shoot a video etc. of the home as opposed to trying to desecrate the location where four young lives were savagely taken.

With that to think about, do you support university officials and their choice to leave the home standing for now?