The Willowbrook Lane home that once rang with laughter now echoes with unsettling revelations about the deaths of the 44-year-old mother and her son, Eli Painter.
Newly released search warrants have revealed chilling details in the deaths of Jessica Lyman and her 8-year-old son, Eli Painter, nearly four months after the tragic double homicide in Saratoga Springs, Utah. No suspect has been officially named.
According to reports, the victims were found by Lyman’s 17-year-old daughter on March 28, 2025, who called for help after discovering her mother and younger brother unconscious in their home on Willowbrook Lane.
Emergency responders later confirmed that Painter had sustained fatal injuries consistent with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The mother of three was found critically injured beside her young son, with her clothing partially removed. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries two days later. Now, the newly released warrant gives insight into clues found by investigators.
When authorities arrived at the scene, Lyman’s 15-year-old son said he had been napping because of staying up late using his cellphone the previous night, and hadn’t heard anything strange.
When asked whether there was any weapons in the house, he denied knowing of any “guns,” even though he hadn’t yet been told about the involvement of a firearm in the tragedy.
Other discoveries made by investigators included “dried [genetic material] on the sheets adjacent to where Jessica had been lying.” A white-and-brown mask, items of Lyman’s intimate clothing, BB gun pistols, plate carriers, magazine pouches, and a handwritten note, “This is a murder story,” were taken from the 15-year-old’s bedroom.
Another note discovered in the room referenced forensic terms such as “DNA testing” and “firearm analysis.”
A forensic analysis of Lyman’s phone revealed Lyman’s 15-year-old son had sent her a series of disturbing texts in the weeks leading up to Lyman and her 8-year-old son’s deaths.
One text read, “Do you know how insignificant you are to my life?” Another said, “I wish I died in your stomach.”
The white-and-brown mask found in the 15-year-old’s bedroom also resembled the one seen on surveillance footage recorded by a neighbor.
The footage captured a person walking near the family’s home that night. At around 2:30 a.m., someone was seen exiting through a gap in a fence, then returning about 30 minutes later wearing a white mask.
Police noted in the warrant that “nobody was captured either entering into or exiting from the gap for the rest of the night.”
As the investigation continues, Jessica’s family has spoken publicly about their grief and their determination to see justice served.
Her relative, Alexis Orton, said the family feels the weight of the loss every day and remains hopeful that those responsible will be held accountable. She urged anyone with information to come forward and contact Saratoga Springs Police.
In response to media reports about the unsealed warrants, the Saratoga Springs Police Department on July 7, 2025, emphasized that neither they nor the victims’ family were involved in the release of the documents:
“On July 7, 2025, local media outlets published information obtained from search warrants that were recently unsealed following the expiration of a 90-day seal. Neither the family of the victims nor the Saratoga Springs Police Department participated in the release of this information.”
The statement continued, “The families of the victims have been extremely cooperative throughout the entire investigation, and the Saratoga Springs Police Department remains committed to continuing to work closely with them in the pursuit of justice.”
Amid the grief, the community has also rallied to support the family. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Jessica’s cousin, Stephanie Zundel-Smith, remains active to help with funeral expenses and support Lyman’s surviving children.
Another fundraiser in Painter’s memory set up to support his father, Jason Painter, also remains active. It notes that donations will help ease financial burdens and provide some stability for the family during this “incredibly difficult journey.”
As the case remains open and active, the family continues to wait for answers, while honoring Lyman and Painter’s memory and holding out hope that justice will be served.
