The Latah County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office stated Tuesday that unredacted crime scene photographs from the 2022 University of Idaho killings were likely leaked to journalists and social media commentators. The release of these images violates a court order and has reignited distress for the victims’ families.
Four students were found dead on November 13, 2022, in Moscow. A man faces charges in connection with the deaths. Last October, a judge ruled that graphic crime scene photos would not be released to the public, citing the extreme emotional distress such images would cause the families.
Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson confirmed his office does not know who released the images. He noted that the state of Idaho lacks legal standing to take independent action regarding the leak. However, Thompson indicated that the families may have recourse in civil courts.
“We have shared this information with the families and expressed our outrage, as well as our sympathies that they must once again suffer unnecessarily,” Thompson said.
The Latah County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Moscow Police Department, and the Idaho State Police released a joint statement on Tuesday. The agencies hope the public notice will lessen the chances of further photo distribution. The prosecutor’s office emphasized that the dissemination of these photographs does not serve the public interest.
The leak comes amid ongoing debates about the property where the killings occurred. Objections have been raised to demolishing the house. Members of three victims’ families have signaled that the house should be preserved until after the trial concludes.
Latah Prosecutor Urges Halt to U of I Crime Photo Leak
Idaho Agencies Condemn Leak of University of Idaho Murder Photos