Executive Summary
- The FBI has officially joined the investigation into the March homicides of Jessica Lyman, 44, and her son, Eli Painter, 8, in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
- A multi-agency search for evidence is being conducted in and around the Jordan River, which is near the victims’ home.
- The victims were found with gunshot wounds on March 26, and no suspects have been publicly identified to date.
- The family released a statement expressing hope that the new search efforts will lead to accountability for those responsible.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah — The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local authorities in the investigation into the double homicide of a mother and her 8-year-old son, officials announced. The move comes nearly eight months after the two were killed in their home, with law enforcement now conducting a search of the Jordan River for additional evidence.
The search effort, which began Monday morning, is focused on the Jordan River and its surrounding areas, according to the Saratoga Springs Police Department. This location is near the home where Jessica Lyman, 44, and her son, Eli Painter, were found. Investigators stated the effort is one of multiple locations being searched to locate evidence that will further the investigation.
On March 26, police discovered the victims after they had apparently been shot. Eli Painter was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Jessica Lyman was transported to a medical center in extremely critical condition, where she later died from her injuries.
“The Saratoga Springs Police Department is committed not only to identifying and arresting the responsible individual(s) but also to ensuring a successful prosecution,” the department said in a statement. They urged anyone with information related to the case to contact their investigations unit at 801-766-6503.
Family Seeks Justice
In a statement, the victims’ family expressed their emotional difficulty following the “act of senseless violence.” The family stated, “We are encouraged by this search of the Jordan River by the dive team for additional evidence, and we remain hopeful it will help bring accountability to those responsible. We miss Jessica and Eli every single day and continue to seek the answers and justice their memories deserve.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. As of the latest update, authorities have not publicly named any suspects in connection with the murders.