‘We’re Begging You’: Family Responds to Idaho Crime Scene Images

Editors Note: The staff of 103.5 KISS FM has chosen not to include or 'link to' any images of the crime scene, referred to in the following article, out of respect for the victims and their families. 

Shocking images surfaced just days ago when both local and national news outlets shared 'breaking news' -- a public records request resulted in the release of approximately 200 images from in and around the crime scene following the gruesome murders just off of the University of Idaho campus in 2022.

After years of court proceedings and 'true crime' obsession across the globe--Bryan Kohberger, the man who eventually admitted to committing the four murders, has been sentenced to life in prison.

In what many had hoped would finally offer closure to the families of these victims, actually just brought about a new wave of coverage for the case as more and more documents were released, post-sentencing.

Minor details came out here and there that the public had not yet seen--but photos late last week took these 'new releases' to another level.

The family of Kaylee Goncalves, who has been the most outspoken of the four since the crimes took place, released the following statement to the Facebook group which they have been managing over the past two years:

In regards to the crime scene photos being released of Kaylee, Maddie, Ethan and Xana . We know they are out there, but we are begging you to not share them. These pictures are extremely private, and cause immense pain and trauma for all of our families.
Please help us by not reposting or sharing them. We are asking kindly for your help, and respect to this extremely sensitive matter. Thank you

While many online who have been following the case since the start may have had some sort of desire to 'see more', the wishes of the families seemed to have been lost.

The photos were released by the Moscow Police Department to an inquiring Idaho news outlet.

The message shared by Palermo shows deep compassion and thought behind the decisions that journalists must weigh before covering certain aspects of sensitive topics and her insight was valuable.

Ada County Judge, Steven Hippler, continues to review documents and requests to have certain things unsealed--he has made it clear that it's going to be a process.