MOSCOW, Idaho The University of Idaho issued the following statement this morning, Aug. 23, in the wake of a graduate student homicide and the apparent suicide of the suspect, who was a former UI employee.
“Last night, a University of Idaho graduate student was the victim of homicide at an off-campus residence. The student’s identity is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. The incident remains under investigation.
“Moscow Police have confirmed to us that the suspect identified in the investigation Ernesto A. Bustamante, a former faculty member who worked at the university from 2007 to 2011 is now dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“The university is cooperating fully with the Moscow Police Department.
“We are both shocked and saddened by these events. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the victim’s family and friends.The university is making grief counseling available for students, faculty and staff. They are located in the Continuing Education Building their contact number is 208/885-6716.
“The university’s convocation, scheduled for this afternoon, will be rescheduled to a later date. The university will be issuing public statements as more information may become available.”