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. While no suspect has been officially named, the documents point to troubling findings inside the family’s home and suggest a possible motive in the double murders.
The killings happened on March 28, 2025. According to records obtained by People Magazine, a forensic download of the deceased mother’s phone revealed that her 15-year-old son had sent her a series of disturbing and emotionally charged text messages in the weeks leading up to the murders. One text read, “Do you know how insignificant you are to my life?” Another said, “I wish I died in your stomach.”
The victims were found by Lyman’s 17-year-old daughter, who called for help after discovering her mother and younger brother unconscious with fatal injuries 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 also found critically injured beside her little son, with her clothing partially removed. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries two days later.
When questioned by investigators, the 15-year-old allegedly claimed he had stayed up late the night before using his phone and was napping at the time of the incident. He said he didn’t hear anything unusual and told the police he wasn’t aware of any guns in the house.
At that point, he had not yet been informed that the victims had died from gunshot wounds or that a gun was involved, according to the warrant.
According to the warrant, investigators used an alternate light source and found traces of biological material on the sheets near where Jessica had been lying. A doctor at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center reportedly confirmed the detection of suspicious biological material on Lyman in the hospital.
Police also found her intimate clothing in her teenaged son’s room.
A search of the home discovered further alarming evidence in the teenager’s bedroom. Police found BB gun pistols, plate carriers, magazine pouches, and a handwritten note that read, “This is a murder story.” Another note discovered in the room referenced forensic terms such as “DNA testing” and “firearm analysis.”
Also, among the evidence was a white-and-brown mask that 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:
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. The page describes the deceased mother as “a bright light” to her loved ones.
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.