A white Hyundai Elantra spotted in Oregon isn’t connected to the murders of 4 Idaho college students, authorities said Tuesday evening.
The update from the Moscow Police Department got here after investigators were probing the automotive since it matched the outline of a vehicle that was near the off campus house where University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were slaughtered in a knife attack on Nov. 13, in line with police.
Moscow police have requested the general public’s assist in locating that white Hyundai Elantra 2011-2013 model, saying they need to interview the occupant or occupants of the vehicle because they may need critical information to supply.
Police in Eugene, Oregon contacted Idaho authorities to alert them to an abandoned automotive found on the side of the road and badly damaged.
Investigators spoke with the feminine owner and reported the vehicle was in a collision after which impounded, Moscow police said. The vehicle is registered out of Colorado and the owner “isn’t believed to have any relation to any property in Moscow, Idaho or the continued murder investigations,” police said.
Authorities also requested the general public stop contacting the owner.
Eugene is about 450 miles away from Moscow where the gruesome murders have left the school town shaken and still trying to find answers into the mysterious case.
The local police department has faced growing pressure to crack the case as they’ve yet to point to a suspect or suspects accountable for the shocking slayings.
Moscow Police Chief James Fry defended his police force’s actions in a video message Tuesday.
“I do know there’s been some questions on the leadership on this investigation. What I need people to know is this can be a Moscow Police Department investigation,” Fry said, noting his command staff had 94 years of law enforcement experience combined. “We’re gonna proceed to work this case, we’re gonna proceed to work it to the completion.”
The FBI and state police are assisting within the probe, though there have been questions on whether Moscow police should turn over the case.
A representative for the Goncalves family told Fox News Digital Monday that if Moscow police “are in over their heads, then acknowledge that and switch the investigation over to someone who’s more versed in handling these matters.” Lawyer Shanon Gray did note though the the Goncalves family is hopeful Moscow police are conducting a correct investigation.
A former FBI agent told The Post last week he believed Moscow police should hand over control of the probe with the FBI possibly a greater agency to be in charge.
There have been greater than 7,650 emailed suggestions, 4,313 phone suggestions and 4,583 digital media submissions with greater than 250 interviews conducted to date connected to the investigation, police said.
“Be assured that this investigation is the Moscow Police Department’s and I’m the chief and we’re going to follow through with this,” Fry said.