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In the investigation surrounding the active phone collected from the suspect, law enforcement found limited information that corroborated existing evidence gathered through prior search warrants. The phone’s data indicated efforts by the suspect to erase activity, including the use of VPNs. Among the retrieved items were screenshots and photos of news coverage related to the Moscow case, but there was no evidence of any connection to the victims.
Despite rumors and speculation that the suspect was following some of the victims on social media, authorities confirmed that there was no credible link between the suspect and the four victims or their surviving roommates. Investigators pursued each rumor thoroughly, only to find them baseless.
This investigative detail came amid shocking revelations regarding the nature of the victims’ injuries. Documents made public indicated that Xana Kernodle sustained over 50 stab wounds, many of which were defensive, suggesting she fought back against the attacker. Kaylee Goncalves also incurred severe injuries, with reports varying on the exact number of stab wounds. While the authorities are aware of the specific number involved in each case, they are withholding those details for the privacy of the victims’ families.
Discussion around the possibility of a second weapon was addressed, with investigators stating that all four victims were likely attacked with a single primary weapon. The precise nature of certain facial injuries on Kaylee remains unclear, raising further questions about the attack’s execution.
Notably, an image surfaced of the suspect smiling and giving a thumbs-up hours after the murders. While speculation abounds regarding this behavior, investigators stated that he had a history of similar poses in other selfies, suggesting this was not a one-off event.
As questions linger about the suspect’s mental state and motivations, law enforcement continues to grapple with understanding why the attacks occurred. They maintain that there is no evidence he committed similar acts prior to this case, making it his first known violent incident.
With the investigation having garnered significant attention, authorities are continually vigilant about potential copycat crimes and emphasize their ongoing commitment to community safety. The collaboration with federal agencies has proven invaluable, particularly as advancements in investigative techniques, like genetic genealogy, have played a crucial role in solving the case.
In summary, while some answers have surfaced, many aspects of the investigation remain shrouded in complexity, leaving both the community and law enforcement grappling with the implications of this tragic series of events.
