Idaho Murders: Unveiling the Vandal Healing Garden to Honor Lost Students

Five months after the harrowing murder of four University of Idaho students, Jim and Stacy Chapin, parents of victim Ethan Chapin, share their resilience alongside the university community as they unveil a poignant memorial honoring the lives lost.

In the wake of the tragic events that shook the University of Idaho community in November 2022, the university unveiled the Vandal Healing Garden, a sanctuary of remembrance dedicated to the four students who were brutally murdered: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen.

Idaho Murders: Unveiling the Vandal Healing Garden to Honor Lost Students

For Stacy Chapin, the unveiling of the memorial marked a bittersweet moment in her family's healing journey. "It was an amazing day," she said, "and it was meant to recognize the time and effort of the kids who built it." The memorial, designed in part by students, offers a space for reflection and remembrance, honoring not only the four victims but all University of Idaho students who have passed away.

Ethan Chapin, a beloved fraternity brother and friend, was remembered for his infectious laughter and unwavering spirit. Drew Giacomazzi, a friend and fraternity brother, recalled Ethan's ability to brighten up a room. "He was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome." Giacomazzi described the memorial as a place to "bring that light back to campus."

Idaho Murders: Unveiling the Vandal Healing Garden to Honor Lost Students

Stacy Chapin expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support from her son's fraternity brothers, her daughter's sorority sisters, the university, and the wider community. The unveiling of the memorial served as a testament to the resilience and unity that emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The Vandal Healing Garden, designed and built by students under the guidance of faculty and alumni, features a structure that reflects the favorite colors of all four victims. The memorial is a symbol of the university's strength and its commitment to supporting the healing process.

Idaho Murders: Unveiling the Vandal Healing Garden to Honor Lost Students

University of Idaho President Scott Green acknowledged the tragedy's profound impact on the campus community, stating, "We lost four shining lights full of life and promise. This garden memorial is dedicated to them and the University of Idaho." The garden serves as a reminder that even in times of darkness, hope and light can prevail.

As the community continues to grapple with the loss, the investigation into the murders remains ongoing. Suspect Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology Ph.D. student at the neighboring University of Washington in Pullman, is accused of stabbing the four students in their rooms in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022. Kohberger pleaded not guilty and is expected to stand trial in June 2025. The defendant's efforts to change the trial venue are ongoing.

Idaho Murders: Unveiling the Vandal Healing Garden to Honor Lost Students

Giacomazzi believes the memorial will help students process their grief and feel safe while doing so. "There are obviously buildings and areas of campus like that before, but there was nothing purposefully designed and dedicated to those kinds of emotions." He emphasized the memorial's role in bringing light back to the campus community.

The Vandal Healing Garden stands as a poignant tribute to the lives lost, offering a place of reflection, remembrance, and unity. It is a testament to the resilience of the University of Idaho community and its unwavering commitment to healing and support in the aftermath of tragedy.

Idaho Murders: Unveiling the Vandal Healing Garden to Honor Lost Students