Idaho man charged with two counts of murder in death of wife and preborn baby

An Idaho man has been arrested after his pregnant wife and 10-month-old son were found dead. 

According to East Idaho News, Jeremy Albert Best has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his wife Kali Randall Best and their preborn child. Jeremy and Kali’s 10-month-old son, Zeke, was also found deceased, but charges are pending in his case.

On Thursday, deputies found Kali dead of a gunshot wound in the couple’s home after responding to a 911 call. Court documents show she was 28 weeks pregnant at the time. Jeremy was gone when authorities arrived, and their son Zeke was missing. The deceased 10-month-old was found Saturday morning. Jeremy was located nearby and arrested.

Timeline of events leading to the tragic deaths of Kali Randall and Zeke Best

“We thank all of you for walking with us during this time. Our Zeke is now at rest with his loving mama and unborn sibling,” said a statement from Brian Randall, Kali’s brother. “The pain we feel is unimaginable and we thank everyone for their support. You will never know how you have lifted our family up during this time. As this is an ongoing investigation, we ask for privacy as we take time to process and grieve.”

Kali’s cousin, Meg Fischer, said, “Motherhood was her greatest joy and we assume she gave her life protecting her children. We love her endlessly.”

During a court hearing on Monday, Teton County Prosecutor Bailey Smith called the murders of Kali and her preborn child “arguably the most horrific crimes” committed in recent history. Research shows that homicide is one of the leading causes of death for pregnant women. Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth are more likely to die at the hands of an intimate partner than to die from pregnancy-related causes.

Additionally, researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor have found that women who are pregnant or who gave birth in the past 42 days die by homicide at more than twice the rate that they die of placental disorders or bleeding, which are the most common pregnancy complications.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, or call 1-800-799-SAFE.