It is “surprising” that the three Crime Stoppers programs in Idaho have remained silent about the tragic deaths of four University of Idaho students, as one regional program director informed The Post.
While police in Moscow, Idaho appear to be scrambling to make progress in a high-profile case, Crime Stoppers groups in the area have instead posted requests for information on Facebook regarding stolen luggage from an airport and an unrelated burglary.
Larry Wieda, the executive director of Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers for the past 41 years, remarked that the stunning lack of attention to the high-profile murders is unusual given the state has historically boasted “strong” Crime Stoppers programs.
Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization founded in Virginia, often pays cash rewards for “anonymous information leading to the felony arrest of offenders and fugitives,” according to its website.
Southwest Idaho Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 “if their tip leads to the resolution of a major crime.”
But in the roughly two weeks after the November 13 murders in Moscow, none of the programs have solicited public assistance or offered monetary awards.
The three Crime Stoppers programs in Idaho did not answer to The Post’s inquiry as to why they were not publicizing the slayings at the University of Idaho.
The local precinct leading the investigation has not offered a prize either.
Aaron Snell, a spokesman for the Moscow Police Department, informed The Post that there is now no (cash) reward being given.
Snell stated that the department has received over 15,000 tips from the public on the case.
Even though the murder scene is less than a four-hour drive from the nearest Canadian border crossing in Rykerts, British Columbia, it is unknown whether Canadian law enforcement is participating in the investigation.
Snell refused to provide a “yes” or “no” response when asked if the Moscow PD collaborated with Canadian services.
“We will not comment on the location of a suspected suspect, which we do not have at this time. “However, we will collaborate with any outside organization that may be able to assist us in our investigation,” Snell stated.