206 Comments
Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Thank you SO much for investigating and reporting on this. I grew up in Moscow and the town and the people mean so much to me. You truly are the best writer and I have so much respect for how much you immerse yourself in each case you follow. I will always be so proud to support you and your work. You always come through with the best stories. Much Love!

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

I didn’t realize Ethan’s brother went in the house and found him. How absolutely horrific for him. Heartbreaking!

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Not true.

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What isn't true and how do you know?

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Because there are two Hunters and people are confusing the two. THAT'S how I know.

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Oh, THAT'S how. Smh

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Yeah there is a friend Hunter, different from brother Hunter. I’ve read conflicting reports on which Hunter it was. Horrible either way.

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Correct

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Kind’ve embarrassed to admit but it’s been awhile since I finished a long article without glazing over certain parts or skimming just to get the gist. I usually get impatient halfway through and I’ll scroll to the bottom to see how much longer I have to read, but this article held my attention from the first sentence to the end. I could have kept reading for hours. I’m a new substack follower and I am very happy to support your amazing work. You are just incredible.

I read this shortly after watching the recording of the 20/20 special that recently aired and what a difference in coverage. There version seems so basic now compared to your point of view. You really captured the charm of this small town while also uncovering details that no one else is. 👏🏾

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author

I'm so glad you shared this, Ayana. As I was writing it, I kept trying to edit it down, knowing people don't have the patience for long articles (I know I don't!) and then when I finished, I thought it was possibly the most boring thing I've share yet.

I had a twinge of regret when I hit publish. I'm so happy to hear it wasn't the bore I thought it was.

I hate writing! LOL

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I have to admit, when I saw 25 minute read I thought I don’t have time for this. Or rather, I don’t like to read on my phone, how do I bookmark a Substack article?But once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I second all the wonderful comments about your article. Loved your point of view and your writing kept my attention, I was sad when I was done.

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You really are a phenomenal writer 🤍

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not boring at all!

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I think I could read anything you wrote for however long it took! I even thought half way through- “i feel like I’m halfway through a book I love and can’t put down.”

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Your tone and style is mesmerizing. I simply did not want the article to end. And.... that town.. sounds like the perfect back drop for a Stephen King novel. I had no idea of the heaviness it holds. Wow.

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Exactly how I feel!! Just incredible writing!!!!

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

The Christ Church shit was unexpected ...... so much to digest with the insight you got about the murders but also the Wilson guy ugh! Creepy. I'll be rereading this in the morning!

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The church is super interesting! But for some reason I thought it was going to bore everyone

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This isn't a church it's a cult. It sickens me to know this man uses the Bible to excuse rape and pedophilia. He belongs in cell sitting right beside BK. Better yet just throw him in gen pop in Angola, LA and them deal with him.

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So I’m reformed Presbyterian and read quite a bit from Doug Wilson. I believe in traditional roles- but I think that is misunderstood- or maybe I have a different take. I believe(as a Christian) a wife/mother’s focus should be homeward. Even Doug Wilson’s wife and daughters work outside the home. I would argue you do that- you are an excellent mom and wife and your number 1 focus is your family. In Proverbs 31 it speaks of an excellent wife- I encourage you to read it- she makes sure her household is cared for but she also has outside businesses and interests. Now I’m not here to speak on controversies of the church- I’m not that invested-just the part where you think the way you live would be in conflict of what reformed Christian’s believe as far as women’s roles. Anyway I just want you to know I think you do a really good job and are a great example to women of what wives and mothers are capable of.

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I don't disagree that a woman can be home-focused and work outside the home. I think the issue being raised by Jessica was the roles the men of the church are playing and "beliefs" they are teaching, and skewing and abusing, as God's word when it is clearly brainwashing, abuse, and manipulation to hold power over women and children.

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I second this!

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I was specifically speaking to this quote and the prior paragraph “Halfway through, noting the glaze in her eyes, I realized everything I was telling her was in direct offense to what they preach. Women as homemakers, men as providers.” That as a conservative, reformed Christian I don’t see her life in conflict to what Wilson preaches in many ways. I am not aware of the above accusations but will be looking into them. Personally I’ve never heard anything where he would condone abuse of women. But like I said I m not too invested in his church.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

No not boring AT ALL! Gives another perspective of what is happening in the town other than the murders (so sad!) reading about the church just made my stomach drop. Seems like a lot for a small twin to have to deal with!

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While the impact of these horrific murders on the people of Moscow is both interesting and refreshing, the Christ Church stories were shocking. Kinda like you buried the lede. I hope the town fights back against a church that sanctions rape and pedophilia.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

It was a very interesting addition! Our local community church somehow became affiliated with Christ Church and the things happening in our little community is INSANE! It's really scary the influence and power it has!

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

First, impeccable story telling, as always. Very humanizing article ❤️

Ladder theory is confusing. If he used a ladder, he definitely didn’t have time to take it down before getting in his car and peeling off when he left, and it’s not in any photos.

If he did enter through Kaylee’s room via sliding door, that would make me think he knew the room would be empty and therefore wasn’t targeting Kaylee, but was using it as an access point to Maddie. But was surprised to find Kaylee there - especially since he wouldn’t have known the Range Rover out front was Kaylees since she had just bought it.

If 2 victims bleeding out is true, I would guess X and E. He was probably tired by that point and was messy with it. Injuring them in a reactive panic.

While I hope it was Ethan saying ‘it’s ok, I’m here to help you’ I can’t shake the feeling it was Brian. Ethan was brutally attacked, I don’t think he’d be in a state to even say something like that. And it would be such a weird way to phrase comfort to your SO. “I’m here to help you” sounds like someone trying to validate their presence vs providing loving comfort. I could see BK saying that to E or X if he saw them struggling and gave them a ‘final’ blow.

As morbid as it is, I don’t think there was a lot of yelling and screaming. Brian wanted this to be quiet, hence why he didn’t use a gun. I think he was likely intentional about targeting their throat/vocal cords. If the dogs bark was caught on neighbors ring doorbell during the murders, no way the screams of 4 people being brutally attacked wouldn’t be picked up too.

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He didn’t exit that way. He definitely went out the other slider.

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Agreed! But if he entered with a ladder, wouldn’t that mean he’d have to take it down and leave with it after exiting the 2nd floor slider?

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He wouldn't have to! he could easily hop up there without the extension.

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Pretty sure I read that a ladder was already there. I think I even saw it pictured, leaning up onto balcony, in one of the photos online

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I thought Jess stated in a video that the ladder was always there...like it was at the house all the time...not that he brought it...but I could be wrong!

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Yes I thought the same - not from Jess but from something else I saw online

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Yeah, the ladder was photographed for quite a while leaning up against the lower side of the house so he would have taken it down and put it away after exiting through the slider. If he used that as a point of access though, I don't get why LE left it outside for so long instead of taking it in for processing and testing?

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I was going to post the same thing. It's in all of the pictures from the morning after leaning against the side of the house like an invitation to climb on in.

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It’s not like the gag order is specifically because of the 911 call, it’s to protect the overall integrity of the case. Also it’s unconfirmed if two actually bled out, so not fair to operate as fact. Even if it is fact, we have no idea what situation Dylan was in and assuming she clearly knew what was happening but decided not to call cops bc she didn’t feel like it is unreasonable. Additionally we as the public aren’t entitled to these answers at this point.

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I don’t think Ethan said that either. It doesn’t sound right. 🤔

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author

I don't think anyone said it the way it's written. I think someone was frantically trying to calm someone else down.

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He could have been saying “I’m not going to hurt you” too ... in which case, I considered that it’s also possible he was talking to the dog, trying to keep it calm?? 🤷‍♀️

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And Jess, “I’m going to help you” just doesn’t make sense to me either, given the info we have thus far.

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But him trying to calm a nervous, whimpering dog does make sense to me. And perhaps it was the dog’s whimpering that she heard, not crying. I mean if someone was crying loud enough for her to hear from down the hall, why wouldn’t the person have been screaming or yelling for help. I don’t know, that’s just my take on the whole thing 🤷‍♀️

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This whole article gave me Stephen King vibes - this was an excellent and vivid portrayal of a small town with some more-than-normal oddities. Praying that justice is served in this case, and that the town gets the healing it so desperately needs

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This town was made for a S King novel.

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I’m glad that you addressed the Doug Wilson/Christ Church story. You could do investigative reporting on this topic for days. I was part of a church in the Seattle area that followed his teachings. It was basically a cult. Women were treated poorly, and as you experienced, had specific roles they were expected to uphold. The damage that is done to girls and women under his teachings, is nothing short of brainwashing. It took years to unravel the damage those false teachings did to me, and my family. I am thankful that God does not operate the way that church did. He is full of grace, love, and light, available to anyone who follows Him. Doug Wilson has no reason to think his translations of the Bible are truth, as they are flawed, and twisted, to place himself in a position of “power”, especially over women. Not thank you.

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This church has nothing to do with this crime.

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I realize that, and maybe I didn’t word my comment properly. I guess I was excited that Jessica (someone whom I admire) chose to write about this topic, as I have a personal connection to it. I admire her work so much! It was more of a side note/comment. I in no way meant for it to come across that Doug Wilson was related. However, the presence of his church, their college, and the congregation, are woven in to the town of Moscow. I don’t know how to describe it, but its presence is almost felt, while being there. I feel Jessica may have felt it, too, based on her deciding to write about it.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Ummm is there a part 2? Lol

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Jessica, I think this is your best writing so far! Bravo. 👏👏👏

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

So well written, great job!

The 3rd story entry is hard for me too. While it makes complete sense him using it to avoid being seen going up, what the heck happened after he left out of the slider? Would he really have had time to take the ladder down, change out of his clothes walk to his car etc? Did he set it back at the side of the house?!!! Do investigators have it in evidence 🤔

The amount of minutes he was in there until back at his car is just crazy, especially if people were fighting back. I know it’s morbid to talk about, but I don’t get how he did it all so fast 🙈

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Great story. I’ve been following since the first day on Reddit, and I am skeptical about this department. There is clearly something much larger at play-I’d surmise drugs.

I do think BK is the killer. But the PCA is flimsy and may not hold up to scrutiny from defense. I sure hope they have a lot more evidence than what was listed on PCA, strong corroborating factors to add context to their suspicions. Such as: how accurate are phone pings in that town and what is the margin of area? Stalking was alleged, yet no evidentiary data given to support the allegation. Was he an invited guest prior to the morning of the 14th or can we prove he was staking the house out?

I just really want justice for these young souls. I hope the scene was handled and processed correctly, and a conviction imminent. I’ve never followed a true crime story in real time, and for some reason this case has consumed me.

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author

I would tend to agree. With possibly a larger story here, then what we are getting now.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Totally hear ya ❤️ I’m taking solace in the fact that the local LE involved FBI almost immediately, which gives me hope that the integrity of the case is solid. And while this isn’t a dig at his current public defender (heard she’s well respected), unlike other cases like OJ and Casey Anthony, he doesn’t have a well-known/big-wig defense team behind him.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

That's another thing I was thinking reading all of this. With some local person skinning a pet, and decapitation other pets... that is a text book serial killer profile... I guess I also wonder who else the police have looked at - with those other deaths mentioned along with the pets... I would always hope they get the right person, but if there are known issues with investigators (or the Church!!) It always makes me wonder. For this Wilson a-hole to intervene in the matters mentioned, what the hell else could happen?

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Carrie, same, have been following since the beginning as well & have read so much. I’ve also read there is more going on here, I just hope LE & FBI didn’t arrest due to pressure, & got the correct guy.

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Casey Anthony didn’t have a bigwig either. She literally turned to the others in the jail and asked for a number and got Jose. He was newer too I believe. But she certainly shot him to fame.

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A bit of information on cell towers and by all means please check this out on your own because what I am about to say is true, but it was true about 8 or more years ago and I don’t know if it still is.

When one cell tower is taking on quite a bit of traffic any EXTRA traffic is redirected to the next neighboring tower.

Something to think about.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

- 0400 incident

- 1200 911 call

(we are all disturbed)... but ALSO disturbing:

- 1440 Shelter in place in a college area with active killing scene and no suspect?!? Almost 3 hours after initial report

- 1600 Walkthrough by sergeant and corporal in a small town. I would expect delays in a big city but this is just absurd for such a gruesome incident.

If they were at school or on campus we would expect much quicker response. Why was this not concerning for or considered a mass murderer on the loose situation like other campuses with similar incident?!

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Honestly, I couldn’t imagine you’d have so much to write when I saw the article was 25 minutes. I thought, well I need a rest and curled up with my phone. I shouldn’t have doubted as I was enthralled with every word. Deep, dark secrets in this town from skinned house pets to questionable church leaders. WTFFF.

I’m absolutely broken hearing Ethan’s brother found him. That is just too much. It’s going to be difficult to wait until June and I’m needing to stay off the threads because all the speculation doesn’t interest me. I want the facts. Thank you for a fascinating, in-depth, and unique tale.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

This is non-judgement since we are still learning information but once you read the affidavit backwards, it becomes extremely apparent there is more to the story with the witness roommate, we haven’t heard everything the witness heard/experienced that night.

Second, all the drive bys on the night of sound like suspect had a driver who was continuously passing by to pick him up when he was ready to go after the murders. Last week I posted that I thought he could have entered the home twice, but reading the timeline backwards unlocks a “getaway car driver” sense.

I’d still like to understand why the affidavit shows BK cell data in the late afternoon on the day of the murders and why that is relevant.....

Thank you for the reporting.

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I've just read it backwards and I'm struggling to understand what you mean? Could you expand a bit for me?

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

Regarding the other deaths - who is JS? Sorry, I probably missed it somewhere.

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

I believe she is referring to Jack Showalter, aka hoodie guy, he is the guy who was found /shown in the video walking w/Kaylee & Maddie from Corner Club to the food truck. Right after the murders the video of K & M were shown ordering food at the food truck, & showed the hoodie guy in the background , what appeared to many he was stalking them. It was later revealed his name is Jack Showalter. Many also pointed fingers at him as the suspect.

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I should have clarified!

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Forgive me if I’m missing something obvious, but I also wondered who is the “Jake” that is mentioned alongside of JS?

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I believe he was Maddie’s boyfriend

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No her boyfriend was Jack D. a different person entirely.

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It’s ok Jessica, I’ve got your back😉

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Super interesting… thanks for the info

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Jan 20, 2023Liked by Jessica Reed Kraus

That makes sense. Thank you!

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I'm wanting to know the same thing.

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Me too!!

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Yes I don’t recognize JS

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Jack Showalter. He is the guy shown walking w/K & M from Corner Club to food truck & then is noticed early on in the investigation at the food truck in the hoodie. Online sleuths referred to him as “hoodie guy”.

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