Idaho student murders: Ethan Chapin’s parents speak for first time since son’s death on honoring his memory

The parents of Ethan Chapin, who was one of the four University of Idaho students murdered in November 2022, have spoken publicly for the first time. In their interview with Ethan’s Smile, a foundation established to honor Ethan’s memory, they spoke of their son and his legacy.

Along with Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen, Ethan was allegedly stabbed to death in his home by Bryan Kohberger, who was later arrested. Ethan was 20 years old and Kernodle, his girlfriend, was also a victim. Goncalves and Mogen were close friends.

Ethan’s parents, Jim and Stacy Chapin, have privately been coming to terms with the loss of their son and seek to keep his spirit alive. They started the Ethan Smile Foundation and created “Ethan’s Smile” tulip bulbs that are sold at Tulip Valley Farms, where Ethan worked. So far, they have sold 80,000 bulbs.

For Stacy Chapin, the bulbs help bring her a sense of peace, and she says they represent something tangible that signifies Ethan. “We’ve created something good that Ethan would love,” she added. “He loved people, he loved a great adventure, and he was inclusive. If we could touch as many lives as he touched in 20 years in our lifetime, the world would be a better place.”

The Chapins are triplets with their brother Hunter and sister Maizie, and they spoke about how Ethan’s passing affects the closely-knit trio. The first milestone that they will face without Ethan is their 21st birthday.

Officers arrested Kohberger after a six-week search that involved DNA evidence on a knife sheath and other pieces of evidence. One of the surviving roommates described coming face-to-face with the killer before he fled the home. Kohberger’s preliminary hearing will take place on June 26 and will be a landmark moment in Idaho’s history.

Jim Chapin said it’s “tough not having him here.” Both parents expressed their longing to be able to hug their son one more time.

“You think stuff like that never happens,” Jim said, with his wife adding, “You think it happens to other people, but I’m telling you, if it can happen to us, it can happen to anyone.”

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