Naman Shrestha
In November 2022, four University of Idaho students — Madison “Maddie” Mogan, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, and Xana Kernodle — were found murdered in an off-campus residence in Moscow, Idaho. The horrific discovery sent shockwaves across the entire community, leaving the loved ones of the victims devastated. The entire ordeal and the investigation that ensued are covered in detail in Amazon Prime’s ‘One Night in Idaho: The College Murders,’ a four-part true crime documentary series that also features exclusive interviews with Maddie’s parents, Scott and Karen Laramie, who talk about the impact the tragedy had on their lives.
Scott and Karen Laramie Were Filled With Grief and Questions Following Maddie’s Death
Before ending up with Scott Laramie, Karen Caufield Laramie was married to Benjamin “Ben” Mogen, with whom she gave birth to Madison “Maddie” Mogen on May 25, 2001, in Oregon. A few years after Maddie’s birth, Karen and Ben went their separate ways amicably. That’s when Karen tied the knot with Scott, who loved and cared for Maddie like his own daughter. Having raised her with affection and support, Scott and Karen were content with how life was going and were looking forward to seeing Maddie reach new heights. However, their entire world came crashing down on November 13, 2022, when their beloved daughter tragically passed away.
When Maddie’s death was reported to the authorities, Karen and Scott were kept in the dark until they were called to the police station. The former stated, “…They put us in a little room, and they came in the back door and opened this file, and the officer explained, ‘There has been a homicide in your daughter’s house, and there were four victims.'” She was shocked and devastated when the police told her that Maddie was one of the victims. Meanwhile, Scott was filled with anger and thought, “This can’t be true. I mean, this is Idaho. Things like this, you see it on TV and all.” Since the authorities didn’t tell them what exactly transpired, their “minds were just circling.”
Karen Laramie Works in the Hospitality Industry Today
While Scott chooses to keep details of his professional life private, it is not the case with Karen Laramie. After graduating from Priest River Lamanna High School, she attended North Idaho College, where she pursued General Studies. In April 2004, she landed a job at The Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort in the Special Promotions FIT Sales department. Having worked there for more than six years, Karen also served as a General Manager at La Quinta by Wyndham at some point in her career. As of today, she is employed at Baymont Inn & Suites, where she has been a General Manager since 2015.
Scott and Karen Laramie Continue to be Each Other’s Rocks in Tough Times
A couple of years after the tragedy, in 2024, Scott and Karen Laramie joined forces with other affected families — Goncalves’ family and Kernodle’s family — and established the Made With Kindness Foundation. Formed to honor the memory of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, and Xana Kernodle, the non-profit organization works with various colleges and universities to provide grief wellness seminars, scholarship funds, and comprehensive on-campus safety awareness. Residing in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with her husband, Scott, Karen talked about losing her daughter on the ‘Today’ show.
She stated, “It’s real, but I know where the girls are, and faith is really the basis of how you get up every morning when you have a loss this deep.” She also spoke a few words about the organization, stating, “We’re missing our kids, and to have something to put your heart into positively, I have no words.” When asked about her opinion on the time it’s taking to begin the trial proceedings of her daughter’s accused killer, Bryan Kohberger, she added, “I feel like the legal system is not about the victims, and I’ll leave it at that.” Serving as the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Made With Kindness Foundation, Karen keeps the memories of her daughter alive, alongside Scott, who supports her in all her endeavors.
Read More: Where is Ethan Chapin’s Family Now?
