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Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Horrifying note left at house where mom and son, 8, were murdered after other son, 15, sent vile texts
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.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
New information about murder of woman, 8-year-old in Saratoga Springs unsealed
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah () — More information about what was discovered at the scene of a double homicide in Saratoga Springs has been revealed after search warrants were unsealed today. In March, the Saratoga Springs Police Department of a double homicide as Eli Painter, 8, and Jessica Lyman, 44. 8-year-old Painter would be pronounced deceased at the scene. three days after the incident, on March 31. UPDATE: Family releases statement on Saratoga Springs homicide where woman, 8-year-old were killed On Mar. 28, police responded to a 911 call in the area of 1200 N Willowbrook Lane in Saratoga Springs. The 17-year-old caller reported that she had returned home and found the two victims lying unconscious on the floor, covered in blood. She also stated that she believed a 15-year-old to be in the home. New information from search warrants has revealed that officers found Lyman and Painter in the master bedroom, both having been shot in the head 'with a small caliber round.' Painter was cold to the touch, pale, and in rigor mortis, according to documents. Lyman, the adult woman, was found to have her pants 'down around her knees.' When officers checked for a pulse, she showed signs of life. The officer initiated CPR until paramedics took over and transported her to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. A 15-year-old male was located in an upstairs bedroom and told officers he had been asleep. He was escorted to the living room. While waiting with an officer, the teen allegedly asked what happened multiple times and claimed he hadn't heard anything. The officer asked if the 15-year-old was aware of any 'weapons' inside the home, and he responded that he wasn't aware of any 'guns,' despite no mention of guns being the cause of death. A search warrant was served on the residence, and two .22 shell casings were found inside the master bedroom. Using an alternate light source tool, crime scene technicians identified what they believed to be seminal fluids on the sheets near the area where Lyman was found. PREVIOUSLY: Search warrants unsealed from Saratoga Springs incident where 8-year-old died 'They're drawing more indirect and direct correlations to the 15-year-old that was in the house,' Chris Bertram, a private investigator, told The 15-year-old's bedroom was found 'in a state of disarray,' according to documents. Inside, officers located an empty beer can, two BB gun pistols, and handwritten notes. One note referenced 'serology,' 'DNA,' and 'firearm testing.' Another handwritten note stated 'this is a murder story.' The doctor who was treating Lyman at the hospital before she passed away told police that he had located a substance that 'could be sperm' on Lyman. Doctors confirmed that she had experienced a gunshot wound to the head. 'Then they find other evidence that leads them to believe that there may be other circumstances in his case, especially evidence that may be related to a sexual assault,' Bertram said. After an autopsy was performed on 8-year-old Eli Painter, the medical examiner confirmed that he had been killed by 'two fatal gunshot wounds to the head.' 'If a juvenile is involved in this, it's not something we discuss until charges are filed and adult charges are filed,' Bertram said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman dies after being found injured in Saratoga Springs home with 8-year-old son Surveillance footage revealed that an individual could be seen walking around the residence during the early morning hours of March 28. They can be seen putting a white mask over their face, documents say, and walking behind a nearby residence, which reportedly has a connecting gravel path to the home where the murders took place. A mask matching that description was uncovered in the 15-year-old's bedroom after another search warrant was filed by police, documents say. A basement door was also found to be unlocked. Search and Rescue teams, as well as dogs and drones, checked for any evidence nearby but did not locate the firearm used in the murder or anything else relevant. 'They're bringing that through the video evidence they found at the scene that matches the mask that they may have seen that's similar if not the same to the mask that they saw in the video of the person coming in and out of the house, they also find writings that are very telling as to a death or homicide investigating,' Bertram said. A search warrant was returned on Lyman's cell phone, and officers located a text conversation between her and the 15-year-old. He made various threats toward the woman, saying things like, 'shut up witch,' 'I'm more happy when I'm not around you,' 'you're so f— mentally ill,' and 'do you know how insignificant you really are to my life?' The search warrant that was unsealed was filed for information on the 15-year-old's cell phone. No information that was returned from that search is public yet. No suspects have been publicly identified by authorities, and information in search warrants only reveals evidence collected by police. If the 15-year-old was involved in the crime, he 'may be in a juvenile facility, in a mental health facility, in a hospital, or with other family members who can account for him,' Bertram explained. If you or someone you know needs help, call the toll-free Statewide 24-hour Sexual Violence Crisis and Information Hotline at 1-888-421-1100. Click here for a list of Rape Crisis Resources in Utah. What to do about bats? 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Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Family releases statement on Saratoga Springs homicide where woman, 8-year-old were killed
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah () — The family of the woman and 8-year-old found dead in Saratoga Springs has released a statement asking for help and expressing their hope that justice will be served. The Saratoga Springs Police Department reiterated in the press release that neither police nor the family participated in the release of information uncovered from search warrants. PREVIOUSLY: New information about murder of woman, 8-year-old in Saratoga Springs unsealed In March, the Saratoga Springs Police Department of a double homicide as Eli Painter, 8, and Jessica Lyman, 44. 8-year-old Painter would be pronounced deceased at the scene. three days after the incident, on March 31. No suspects have been publicly identified by authorities, and information in unsealed search warrants only reveals evidence collected by police. At this time, police say they are still investigating and working toward justice. According to the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the families of the victims have been 'extremely cooperative,' and police are committed to working closely with them 'in the pursuit of justice.' In a statement released by the family, they ask that anyone with information come forward to help with the investigation. The Orton Family shared their gratitude to the police department and expressed the depth of their grief following the loss of Eli Painter and Jessica Lyman. The statement can be read in full below. It has been over three months since a tragic act of gun violence took the lives of our beautiful daughter and sister, Jessica Lyman, and our precious 8 year old grandson and nephew, Eli Painter. 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. 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. On behalf of our family, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the Saratoga Springs Police Department and all the agencies working tirelessly on this case. We are also profoundly thankful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from the community, our friends, and our extended family during this heartbreaking time. We miss Jessica and Eli every single moment of every single day. When we are together as a family, we can't help but feel incomplete. We miss their smiles, their laughter, and their joyful spirits. Please continue to keep our family, and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy, in your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, The Orton Family How to watch the NASCAR visit to California wine country Polestar 3 challenges industry with transparency NEW START: Wildfire in San Juan County, structures threatened and residents evacuating Payson man allegedly sexually abused 14-year-old in church parking lot Democrats push for school funding Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Abhorrent text messages boy, 15, sent mother before she and her younger son, 8, died in mysterious bloodbath
A teen boy sent his mother a string of disturbing text messages before she and her younger son were found shot to death in 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 bizarre discoveries at the crime scene and uncovered obscene texts sent by the mother of three's 15-year-old son. '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**,' her 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.' Investigators also found a handwritten note in the teen's room that stated: 'This is a murder story.' The 15-year-old was home at the time of the shootings and told police he was 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.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Are we still Safe?': Saratoga Springs community struggles for clarity after double homicide
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah () — The Saratoga Springs Police Department provided a small update to In an email from police on Wednesday, the Saratoga Springs Police Department said detectives have developed several leads, and they are actively and diligently investigating this case. In March, two people were shot and killed at a Saratoga Springs home on Willowbrook Lane and two months later, some neighbors are still wondering why they haven't received more of an update from the police. 'I wish we had more information,' neighbor Chris Bernier said. The information known from the Saratoga Springs Police Department is this: Two individuals were shot inside of a house near Willowbrook Lane in Saratoga Springs. One was 8-year-old Eli Painter, who died on scene, and the other was 43-year-old Jessica Lyman, who died after being transported to the hospital. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman dies after being found injured in Saratoga Springs home with 8-year-old son A 17-year-old girl made the initial call to the police after arriving home. She told police she saw both Lyman and Painter unconscious on the floor and covered in blood. 'We've never had anything like this happen before,' Bernier said. Bernier has lived near Willowbrook Lane for just over five years, and he says some neighbors, including himself, have many unanswered questions about the shooting. 'Are we safe in our neighborhood, is this a one-time thing, do we need to be extra careful now?' Bernier asked. Retired Deputy Chief of Police and private investigator Chris Bertram says these kinds of investigations sometimes take longer than expected because of the intensity of the case. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 8-year-old dead, woman in 'extremely critical' condition at Saratoga Springs home 'They're waiting to get digital evidence back, forensic evidence back, and trying to put all the puzzle pieces together to say what type of death investigation this is,' Bertram said. Bertram suspects as investigations go forward, officials might not want to say much — in fear of tipping off the suspect or making an incorrect statement too fast. 'As time goes on, we might understand better why they kept that information quiet. On the other hand, if they keep it quiet and something else happens there's big consequences to that,' Bertram said. This is an ongoing investigation, and Saratoga Springs police say that because of how sensitive this case is, no further information can be released to the public right now. RSL concedes another late goal in 1-1 draw at Austin 'Are we still Safe?': Saratoga Springs community struggles for clarity after double homicide West Valley City man indicted after alleged carjacking with the victim inside the vehicle Suspect arrested, woman in coma after break-in at Beanie Babies tycoon's California mansion Baylor football player Alex Foster dies after being shot multiple times: reports Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
