Horrifying note left at house where mom and son, 8, were murdered after other son, 15, sent vile texts

Daily Mail​

11-07-2025

Investigators discovered a chilling note in bedroom of a 15-year-old boy whose mother and younger brother were found shot to death inside their Utah home.
Jessica Orton Lyman, 44, and her son Eli Painter, 8, were found with fatal gunshot wounds inside their home in Saratoga Springs, around 35 miles south of Salt Lake City, on March 28.
Newly released court documents revealed that police made several disturbing discoveries at the crime scene, including a handwritten message that read 'This is a murder story.'
The note was uncovered along with a string of hateful text messages the teen sent his mom before her death.
'I wish I died in your stomach. Wouldn't have to put up with you,' the boy said in one message to Lyman.
'F**k off h**,' he wrote in another.
Other texts from the boy included: 'Shut up, witch,' 'I'm more happy when I'm not around you,' and 'Do you know how insignificant you really are to my life? Very insignificant.'
The 15-year-old was home at the time of the shootings and told police he was in his bedroom when the killings occurred.
Lyman's 17-year-old daughter came home and found her mom and kid brother unconscious and covered in blood.
The two teenagers had a different father than their younger brother and police said they were with him after Lyman's death.
Police have not arrested or charged anyone in the case, but an affidavit for a search warrant obtained by KUTV has provided additional horrifying details from the investigation.
Police discovered dried semen on the bed in the room where Lyman was found, and sex toys, lubricant and fishnet stockings were recovered in both that room and the 15-year-old's.
The teen's room was described as being in a state of 'disarray,' and detectives also noted that they found several pairs of women's underwear in his room.
Investigators also discovered a white and brown mask in his room, similar to the one seen in surveillance video from neighboring homes that showed an eerie figure walking near the house on the night of the shootings.
'I obtained doorbell camera footage from other neighbors and saw a figure walking in front of the victim's residence at 2:18am on March 28,' police said in a previous warrant.
'The video was too far away to see details of this person, but I believe the victim's doorbell camera would show this figure in better detail. This video may give critical information to identify the suspect in this case.'
The Saratoga Springs Police Department told the Daily Mail that it was continuing to investigate but did not offer further details.
'The families of the victims have been extremely cooperative throughout the entire investigation, and the Saratoga Springs Police Department remains committed to continue to work closely with them in the pursuit of justice,' the department said.
Lyman's family also released a statement asking for the public to help find their killer.
'Not a moment passes that we don't feel the weight of this unimaginable loss. Our family is forever changed. While we continue to wait for answers, we remain hopeful that justice will be served and those responsible will be held accountable,' the family said.
'If you have any information that could help move this case forward, we urge you to come forward and contact the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Jessica and Eli deserve justice, and even the smallest detail could help law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.'
Eli is remembered for his 'boundless energy, laughter, and love,' his obituary said.
'He was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. His adventurous spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and tender heart left an unforgettable mark on his family and friends,' it read.
The second grader loved 'solving puzzles, building intricate LEGO creations, or diving into his favorite video games.'
He also loved going on nature walks, playing pickleball, and drawing.
Lyman was an organ donor and her organs saved three lives after her death, her obituary revealed.
She loved theater, going to the beach, and spending time with her children.
'Jessica treasured creating special moments with her children,' the obituary said.
'She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the profound impact she had on those around her. Her big, beautiful blue eyes were as unforgettable as her generous heart.'