A former FBI agent recently said that it's a "bad plan" for Idaho murder victims' families to raise reward money as the investigation continues.
"Bad plan at this time. Tips are pouring in. If a reward is offered, an exponential number of unuseful [sic] tips will flood in further bogging down LE. When/If tips stop coming in, this is the time for a reward. The FBI knows this. Let them do their work," former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer wrote in a tweet, responding to a recent article about one of the victims' mothers speaking about reward money.
Bad plan at this time. Tips are pouring in. If a reward is offered, an exponential number of unuseful tips will flood in further bogging down LE. When/If tips stop coming in, this is the time for a reward. The FBI knows this. Let them do their work. https://t.co/E0FJz2Hlav
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) December 13, 2022On November 13, four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle—were found fatally stabbed in their off-campus residence near the college.
The comments by Coffindaffer come shortly after the mother of Kaylee Gonclaves, Kristi, spoke with Fox News Digital about possibly raising reward money.
"Our family would like to fundraise in hopes to offer a reward, and possibly hire a private investigator if that becomes necessary," she said. "The money raised will go directly to getting us answers as well as helping to pay for Kaylee's final arrangements and her celebration of life on Dec. 30."
While speaking with Newsweek on Tuesday, Coffindaffer further explained why she believes it's a bad idea for the family to fundraise for reward money and said that police are already receiving hundreds of tips daily.
"When you put a reward out for information, it incites people who know nothing about the case, who aren't really that involved but maybe are interested in possibly gleaning the money," she told Newsweek.
"The reason that this is not the time is right now in the case, at this four- to six-week juncture, is really when all the evidence is starting to pour in. From subpoenas, from court-ordered information...text messages, all of this information is really starting to come in," Coffindaffer said.
According to Coffindaffer, the investigation is currently at its "height" meaning that police currently have the most evidence at their disposal, detectives have conducted interviews, and authorities are looking for the occupants of a 2011-2013 white Hyundai Elantra.
Coffindaffer also noted that if the case continues for months without any suspect or new leads, the FBI could issue their own reward, likely up to $100,000. However, Coffindaffer told Newsweek that "this is the last point that you want to be inundated with more tips that oftentimes, are not fruitful, but instigated by the money sign."
As of Tuesday, December 13, police have not been able to successfully identify a suspect or person of interest in the case.
Newsweek previously reached out to the Moscow Police Department for comment.
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