Idaho Proposes Law to Limit Release of Crime Scene Photos

Bill aims to protect privacy of victims' families after Moscow student murders case

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:39pm

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In response to the recent release of thousands of crime scene photos from the Moscow college student murders, the Idaho legislature is considering a new bill that would exempt images of deceased people from public records requests. The bill, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, would still allow family members to obtain such photographs once an investigation is finished and all potential criminal cases are resolved.

Why it matters

The proposed law comes after the Idaho State Police inadvertently released an unredacted crime scene photo from the Moscow murders, sparking outrage from the victims' families. The bill aims to strike a balance between public transparency and protecting the privacy and dignity of victims and their families.

The details

Senate Bill 1250 would make images of deceased people created as part of police or coroner investigations exempt from disclosure under Idaho's public records law. The bill was two years in the making after Wintrow introduced a similar bill last year that was later pulled. Several other states already have such laws. Wintrow worked closely on the legislation with Alivea Goncalves, sister of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students fatally stabbed in November 2022.

  • The Moscow college student murders occurred in November 2022.
  • Wintrow introduced a similar bill last year that was later pulled.
  • Senate Bill 1250 advanced in a Senate committee for a future public hearing on Monday.

The players

Melissa Wintrow

Idaho Senate Minority Leader who sponsored Senate Bill 1250.

Alivea Goncalves

Sister of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four University of Idaho students fatally stabbed in November 2022.

Kaylee Goncalves

One of the four University of Idaho students fatally stabbed in November 2022.

Madison Mogen

One of the four University of Idaho students fatally stabbed in November 2022.

Xana Kernodle

One of the four University of Idaho students fatally stabbed in November 2022.

Ethan Chapin

One of the four University of Idaho students fatally stabbed in November 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Family members make a lot of decisions about decedents. It's just important to allow family members to do what they want to do with those photos.”

— Melissa Wintrow, Idaho Senate Minority Leader

“She and her family have been through so much. So it's so important to really work with folks and understand the trauma they're experiencing, so families feel they have a sense of control.”

— Melissa Wintrow, Idaho Senate Minority Leader

“Out of many, she was the only to actually articulate my voice and value my perspective. More than just offering condolences — as many in positions of power have — she offered actual help, support and change. Even just the possibility of making a difference has been a beacon of hope in an impossibly never-ending storm.”

— Alivea Goncalves

What’s next

The bill will now go through a public hearing process before potentially advancing further in the Idaho legislature.

The takeaway

This proposed law aims to balance transparency and privacy in the aftermath of high-profile tragedies, recognizing the immense trauma experienced by victims' families and the need to protect their dignity. It reflects growing efforts across the country to limit the release of sensitive crime scene images.