Latest news with #SigmaChi
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Who was Kaylee Goncalves? Sister of Idaho murder case victim confronts Bryan Kohberger directly during his sentencing
Kaylee Goncalves was one of the four University of Idaho students brutally murdered in their off-campus home in a gruesome Idaho murder case in November 2022. The case drew national attention for its shocking details and the months-long search that led to the arrest of Bryan Kohberger. Nearly three years later, on July 23, 2025, Kohberger stood before the victims' families during a tense sentencing hearing. Among those in court was Kaylee's sister, who looked him in the eye and spoke from a place of pain, love, and fury. Her words brought back focus to who Kaylee was beyond the headlines, beyond the horror. What happened on the night of the Idaho murders? On the night of November 12, 2022, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin had attended a Sigma Chi party. They returned to Xana's rental home on King Road around 1:45 a.m. Surveillance footage and phone records later placed the time of the murders between 4 a.m. and 4:25 a.m. A DoorDash order was delivered around 4, and Xana was on TikTok just minutes before the attack. Bryan Kohberger has confessed to the 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. That morning, four promising lives were taken in their sleep, mostly. Some had defensive wounds; each was stabbed repeatedly. Two other roommates in the house survived, untouched. The man accused of the gruesome murders is Bryan Kohberger. A criminology Ph.D. student from Washington State University, just nine miles away from where the students lived. His DNA was found on a knife sheath at the scene. Surveillance footage and cellphone records tied him to the neighborhood. He had visited the area at least 12 times before the attack. Still, no clear motive has been confirmed. During sentencing, Kaylee's sister confronted Bryan Kohberger and didn't hold back In a Boise courtroom this week, Alivea Goncalves took the floor and the entire room listened. Her voice didn't shake. Her words didn't soften. Addressing Kohberger directly, she said, 'I'm going to call you exactly what you are: sociopath, psychopath, murderer.' Her statement wasn't scripted, it felt like it had been building inside her since that awful November morning. 'Sit up straight when I talk to you,' she said. Then came the questions, raw, burning ones. 'Did you prepare for this? Did you plan? Why my sisters? Did you start shaving your eyebrows before or after?' And then, a line that echoed through the room: 'The truth is, you're basic.' #BryanKohberger #IdahoMurders #Idaho4 #IdahoStudentMurders Sister of Kaylee Goncalves; 'Let me be very clear, if you hadn't attacked them in their sleep in the middle of the night like a paedophile, Kaylee would've kicked your fcking ass'DAMN Olivia Goncalves 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼… She went on: 'You're not important. Don't try to convince yourself that you matter just because someone said your name out loud.' The courtroom applauded soon after. Alivea ripped into his perceived intelligence, 'If you were so smart, would you be here now?' and stripped him of the power he may have thought he had. Her words were brutal, unfiltered, and devastating. They didn't just speak for her family. They screamed for every family who's ever buried a child taken by violence. Who was Kaylee Goncalves? She was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority, and she was inseparable from her best friend Madison Mogen, her 'sister' in every sense. They'd grown up together, laughed together, and tragically, died together. The two were found alongside friends Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin on Nov. 13, 2022, in a brutal and senseless killing that stunned the country. Her sister, Alivea Goncalves, described Kaylee as a fighter for fairness, someone who couldn't stand injustice, even in small ways. 'She had everything going for her,' Alivea said. 'She didn't hold back not with love, not with life, not with anything.' More about Bryan Kohberger's sentencing Bryan Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. Each murder charge carries a life sentence. His trial has been long-awaited, with DNA evidence, cellphone tracking, and digital purchases, including a military knife, all playing into the prosecution's case. He has pleaded guilty, however, the motive is yet to be established. Autopsy reports confirmed that all four victims were likely asleep during the attack. The two roommates who survived, still unnamed publicly, have not spoken out in depth. Investigators haven't identified why they were spared or if the killer even knew they were there.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Idaho Student Murders: Who was Ethan Chapin?
Ethan Chapin was one of four students at the University of Idaho who were murdered at an off-campus home in November 2022. His girlfriend, Xana Kernodle, was also killed that night – along with friends Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. Ethan died just two weeks after his 20th birthday. Ethan was raised in Conway, Washington. He was born a triplet. His siblings Hunter and Maizie also attended the University of Idaho. 'Ethan loved life. He laughed continuously. He smiled when he woke up and was still smiling when he went to bed,' his obituary states. 'He was kind to all and a friend to all. May we all try to make the earth a better place … and may we all live like Ethan.' Ethan attended Mount Vernon High School, where he played on the basketball team. He started at the University of Idaho in 2021 and rushed the Sigma Chi fraternity with his brother Hunter. The fraternity created a memorial scholarship fund in Ethan's honor. 'This Memorial Scholarship will be presented annually to a deserving undergraduate member of the Gamma Eta Chapter — forever recognizing the legacy of our brother,' the fraternity's website states. Ethan was majoring in recreation, sport and tourism management in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, according to a news release from the university. His parents created the Ethan's Smile Foundation in his memory. People can purchase a variety of items on the website or donate directly to the foundation. The money goes towards scholarships for students to achieve their dreams. 'Join us in celebrating Ethan's life by empowering the next generation to reach for the stars through the gift of education,' the website states. To date, the foundation has awarded 83 scholarships and more than $105,000 to students in the community. On July 2, Bryan Kohberger took a plea deal, admitting to murdering Ethan and his classmates. The deal means he won't face the death penalty. The agreement includes four fixed life sentences, one for each murder charge, and 10 years for burglary. His sentencing is scheduled for July 23 at 8 a.m. KIRO 7 News' coverage of the sentencing will begin at 7:45 a.m. You can watch here.
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS 16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis ARRESTED for involuntary manslaughter
16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis has reportedly been arrested for felony involuntary manslaughter involving a fatal overdose. According to online records, obtained by TMZ, the former MTV reality star, 33, was brought into police custody in Floyd County, Georgia on Monday. She is being accused of 'intentionally distributing' a drug called Tranq, which is a mixture of xylazine and fentanyl. Authorities said that the victim is a 37-year-old man named John Mark Harris, who was most recently employed as a chef at Barnsley Gardens. has reached out to Purvis for comment but has yet to hear back. FOX 5 Atlanta reported that police officers found Harris dead from an overdose after arriving to his home in Rome on February 17, 2025. At the scene, cops described 'seeing possible drug paraphernalia.' The outlet claims a 'warrant for Purvis's arrest accuses her of supplying Harris with' Tranq. Harris's obituary described him as a graduate of Darlington School and member of the Sigma Chi fraternity during his time at Hampden-Sydney College. 'John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path,' Harris' obituary stated. 'Whether it was bandaging a wound, trips to the airport, or a place to lay their heads for a time, he was willing to lend a hand. He loved fiercely and would do anything he could for one of his friends. John.' His loved ones also described him as giving the 'best hugs' and having the 'most infectious smile.' Under the post, Purvis left a heartfelt message and an apology for missing his funeral. 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral. I wish I could've found out sooner and attended your celebration of life,' she wrote. 'You've came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggles,' Purvis continued. 'I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice.' Purvis went on to state she was thankful for the time they had together, before admitting she was having difficulty processing the loss. 'I don't want it to be true. I'll miss waking up to your silly messages and pictures you'd send me,' she added. 'I'll miss your amazing cooking. I'll miss snuggling on the couch watching tv with you.' She concluded: 'Most of all, I'll miss you, a truly good hearted & one of a kind man, John Mark. I'll never forget you. Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends. I pray they are able to find some kind of comfort during this tragic time. I love you forever, John Mark. Love, Whitney.' This is not her first brush with the law as Purvis has been previously arrested for shoplifting and contempt of court of child support payments. Her arrest comes just one month after she announced the tragic passing of her son Weston Jr., who was just 16. 'This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don't understand,' she wrote on Facebook. The boy's stepmother Amy Gosa shared on Facebook that day that 'we got up this morning around 7 am and tried to wake him up, he was not breathing,' noting he 'had several health issues as well as diabetes.'
Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Sigma Chi International Fraternity Commits $31 Million Pledge to Huntsman Cancer Foundation to Establish the Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation
New Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute Aims to Fund Most Ambitious, Impactful Research to Improve Cancer Care DENVER, June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Sigma Chi International Fraternity today announced a $31 million pledge to create the Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Sigma Chi expects to meet their goal, the largest single pledge in the history of men's fraternity, within five to seven years, more than doubling the funds raised by the organization throughout their 12-year partnership with Huntsman Cancer Institute. After fulfilling an $11 million pledge in 2019, Sigma Chi then committed an additional $20 million to support women's research, treatment and prevention. The organization will complete this donation early, finalizing in Fall 2025. 'Since 2013, Sigma Chi has embraced our brother Jon Huntsman's vision of an end to cancer. Across North America, these men have worked tirelessly to raise money through grassroots events and their personal relationships, all in hopes of making the dream of becoming 'The Generation to End Cancer' a reality,' Bob Wilson, 73rd Grand Consul of Sigma Chi International Fraternity, said. 'Today, we are honored to further dedicate ourselves to such a worthy cause by more than doubling our financial commitment to establish the Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation.' The late Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., a Sigma Chi member honored as a 'Significant Sig' for his exemplary achievements, and his wife, Karen, founded Huntsman Cancer Institute as part of their commitment to creating better outcomes for cancer patients and, ultimately, finding a cure. It is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing care to the largest geographic region of any institution. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center in the world. The Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation will fuel groundbreaking research, as well as propel new clinical trials that will lead to safer and more effective treatments, improved quality of life and potential cures for patients across North America and beyond. 'Sigma Chi brings to bear the collective power of nearly 240 undergraduate chapters across North America all coming together to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation,' says Michael Delzotti, FAHP, CFRE, President and COO, Huntsman Cancer Foundation. 'This partnership is of paramount importance to cancer patients and their families who seek treatment not only at Huntsman, but also around the world, because it will drive critical breakthroughs in cancer research. Sigma Chi's rallying cry, to be 'The Generation to End Cancer,' is a powerful force for good.' Sigma Chi undergraduates across the U.S. and Canada have brought their campus communities together to raise funds for the groundbreaking research and innovation taking place at Huntsman Cancer Institute through hallmark fundraising events like Derby Days, while some have raised money throughout the school year. Sigma Chi chapters raised a recording-breaking $5 million in the 2024-2025 school year. 'Huntsman Cancer Institute is united with Sigma Chi in our ambition to end cancer as we know it,' says Mary Beckerle, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute. 'The Sigma Chi Center for Advanced Therapeutics and Innovation will allow us to advance the best science and new clinical trials that will materially change cancer outcomes for individuals across North America and beyond. We are so grateful to Sigma Chi for making this new commitment in our shared quest to eradicate cancer.' About Sigma Chi International Fraternity Founded in 1855, Sigma Chi International Fraternity is a men's organization dedicated to the pursuit of friendship, justice and learning. Today, there are more than 275,000 living members of Sigma Chi, including 17,000 active members at 236 campuses across North America. During its 164-year history, Sigma Chi has initiated more than 350,000 men who have been charged to live according to its seven core principles: courage, wisdom, integrity, high ambition, self-control, courtesy and fidelity. For more information, visit About Huntsman Cancer Foundation Huntsman Cancer Foundation's sole purpose is to raise funds to support the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute: To understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention and care. Huntsman Cancer Foundation is dedicated to ensuring excellence in these endeavors through the development and prudent stewardship of private resources. All HCI fundraising initiatives happen through Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which is a public, functionally integrated, Type 3 501 (c)(3). About Huntsman Cancer Institute Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 325 open clinical trials and 276 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient's unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman. View original content: SOURCE Sigma Chi International Fraternity
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Microplastics are everywhere — new device pulls them from laundry
Not to be knit-picky, but laundry is a major contributor to microplastic pollution. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed tiny fibers during the wash cycle that can pass through standard wastewater treatment and end up in waterways. Now, three Case Western Reserve University engineering alumni have fabricated a special washing machine filtration system to capture microplastics. CLEANR technology is rolling out at three universities while selling online at $249 for home use. Advertisement 5 CLEANR is a new washing machine filtration system designed to capture microfibers that slough off clothing. Courtesy of CLEANR 'It just turned into this project where we realized [that] microplastics seemed like they're going to be a big issue,' CLEANR co-founder and CEO Max Pennington, 24, told The Post. 'We were passionate about [spending] our free time, really, whenever we could, to develop this technology.' Microplastics are a pressing problem because they are literally everywhere — from personal care products to car tires and even food and water. Advertisement These minute particles have been linked to a laundry list of concerns, including a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and certain cancers and potential damage to reproductive, digestive and respiratory health. Pennington and his fellow Sigma Chi fraternity brothers David Dillman and Chip Miller took their bright idea to Sears think[box], a 50,000-square-foot facility at Case Western in Ohio and one of the largest makerspaces in the US. The Princes of Tide started printing prototypes, which went through the wringer. 5 Max Pennington and two of his Case Western University classmates developed the concept. Courtesy of CLEANR Advertisement 'They actually flooded their mother's kitchen,' recalled Terry Moore, executive chairman of CLEANR. 'Then they were trying it out in the washing machine in their fraternity house, and it was working somewhat,' he continued, 'but then they found out it really didn't work when the baseball players threw all their wash in there, with all the dirt and gravel.' The grime-fighting trio turned to nature to iron out their issues. They thought about how manta rays use vortex dynamics to keep their gills from clogging while filtering food from water. Thus, VORTX was born. 5 VORTX (seen here) is said to capture over 90% of microplastics down to 50 microns (about the width of a strand of very fine hair). Courtesy of CLEANR Advertisement VORTX, which resembles a small tornado, sits inside CLEANR's external filter. The apparatus looks like a fancy coffee maker. It's installed on the washer's drain hose to filter the dirty water exiting the machine. VORTX is designed to capture over 90% of microplastics, down to the size of 50 microns (about the width of a strand of very fine hair), and push this waste into a pod that can be removed and tossed. The CLEANR team figures that one filter prevents the equivalent of 56 credit cards worth of plastic from entering waterways each year. The CLEANR app lets customers estimate their impact. There are other washing machine filters on the market — Pennington said the CLEANR technology 'not only captures the microplastics but provides a consumer experience that [allows users to] feel like they're making a difference.' 5 Here's a look at the junk collected by CLEANR. Courtesy of CLEANR Advertisement Moore said they have raised over $7 million from friends and family to get CLEANR to market. Seed money from a Case Western start-up competition helped purchase the team's first washing machine. Now, they have an army of washers and dryers in the think[box]. The sudsy buds are seeking partnerships with washing machine manufacturers to integrate their filters into the machines during production. Advertisement In the meantime, Case Western, the University of Akron and the University of South Alabama are retrofitting campus machines with CLEANR. 5 Case Western, the University of Akron and the University of South Alabama are retrofitting campus machines with CLEANR. Courtesy of CLEANR It's good timing — just this year, France began requiring new washing machines to have a filter to catch microfibers. Other governments have considered similar measures. Advertisement The California legislature passed a bill that would have mandated microfiber filtration systems in new residential and state-use washing machines, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed it in 2023. He cited concerns about consumer costs. A New Jersey Senate bill introduced in September would require washing machines sold on or after Jan. 1, 2030, to have filtration systems that collect microfibers and microplastics. The legislation, which was referred to committee, noted that, 'in addition to harming marine wildlife and the ecosystems that our communities depend on, microplastics enter our bodies in the food we eat, the water we drink and in the air we breathe.' Advertisement You don't need to tell that to Pennington. 'If we don't act now, and if we don't catch it at the source now, it's going to be too late to make a difference,' he said.
