Latest news with #JessicaLyman
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.
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.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
A Slain Mother and Son, a Mysterious Lurker, and a Ring Camera: What Secrets Does the Video Hold?
A Ring doorbell camera may be the key to solving the murder of a Utah mother and her 8-year-old son. Around 10:15 a.m. on March 28, officers were called to a home on Willowbrook Lane in Saratoga Springs after a 'report of two individuals unconscious and covered in blood,' according to a newly unsealed search warrant affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. The teen caller told a dispatcher she had just returned home when she discovered her mother Jessica Lyman, 44, and her eight-year-old brother Eli Painter on the floor in her mother's upstairs bedroom. Officers arrived on the scene and found the boy deceased. Lyman was flown by medical helicopter to a local hospital where she died three days later. Police said both victims had been shot and there were no signs of forced entry or an altercation. According to the warrant, officers obtained Ring doorbell camera footage from other neighbors and saw a 'figure' walking in front of the home at 2:18 a.m. on March 28 — hours before the bodies were found. '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,' a Saratoga Springs detective wrote. 'This video may give critical information to identify the suspect in this case.' According to the affidavit, the detective sent an emergency request to view the footage but the Ring camera company 'declined to send any footage due to a perceived lack of exigency.' The company did confirm to the detective that there was a Ring camera account registered to Lyman's home. The detective requested a search warrant for the footage starting from 8 p.m. on March 27 to 11 a.m. on March 28. 'I believe that there is further evidence located in the Ring camera video storage that will assist the investigation of the crimes of criminal homicide or murder,' he wrote. In an online obituary, Eli, a second grader at Riverview Elementary School, was described as 'a bright light' who loved math, Spider-Man, basketball, soccer, and riding his bike. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. 'He thrived on curiosity and creativity, whether it was solving puzzles, building intricate LEGO creations, or diving into his favorite video games,' the obituary read. 'He had a deep love for Sonic the Hedgehog and could spend hours playing any Sonic game, as well as Minecraft and Mario Party. Recently, he had discovered a new favorite game, pickleball, which was the last thing he played with his family on Tuesday evening before he passed.' Lyman, according to her online obituary, had 'a deep passion for giving back' and loved theater, music, the beach and spending 'special moments' with her three children. "She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the profound impact she had on those around her,' her obituary reads. 'Her big, beautiful blue eyes were as unforgettable as her generous heart.' GoFundMe pages have been set up for Lyman's family and to support Eli's father. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Police seek Ring camera footage in search for suspect in Saratoga Springs homicides
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4) — Police are seeking Ring camera footage as the latest step in the ongoing investigation into the homicide of a mother and son in their Saratoga Springs home, according to a newly released warrant. The warrant for the footage was filed shortly after the March 28 death of Jessica Lyman, 44, and Eli Painter, 8, and publicly released on Sunday, April 20. Police requested the footage after receiving doorbell camera footage from neighbors that allegedly showed 'a figure walking in front of the victim's residence' that afternoon. '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 officer wrote in the warrant. Late last month, Lyman's 17-year-old daughter found her mother and brother unconscious and bleeding in an upstairs bedroom of their home and called 911. Police responded and found the pair with gunshot wounds. Painter was declared deceased at the scene and Lyman died several days later. RELATED: Search warrants unsealed from Saratoga Springs incident where 8-year-old died Police said there was no sign of a forced entry or altercation between the victims and a potential suspect. They did not find a weapon or anything else of 'evidentiary value' at the home. A 15-year-old child was in the home at the time and told police he was sleeping and didn't know what was happening, documents say. The Ring camera warrant was the latest in a series of warrants released to the public last week. Following the unsealing of the latest document, the Saratoga Springs Police Department released a statement saying they are still investigating the incident and cannot release sensitive information at this time to protect 'the integrity of the case.' 'We are working through the various investigative techniques and procedures that are involved with such an in-depth death investigation. The investigative efforts include a continued effort to gather and analyze evidence,' the statement reads. 'When appropriate, the Saratoga Springs Police Department will provide an update.' According to public court records, police have not yet arrested a suspect. Durbin, No. 2 Senate Democrat, to retire Police seek Ring camera footage in search for suspect in Saratoga Springs homicides Barring a last-minute trade, every team will enter the NFL draft with its 1st-round pick Received a call from SLCPD demanding money? Police say hang up Man ejected, dies in fatal rollover crash in Garfield County Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
