Author: KIFI

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 27 JAN 26 14:15 ET

By Pat Reavy

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    SARATOGA SPRINGS (KSL) — Clothing worn by the 15-year-old son of a Saratoga Springs mother who was shot and killed in her home had gun residue on it.

That’s according to a series of search warrants recently unsealed in 4th District Court that provide more insight into the evidence collected by Saratoga Springs police in their ongoing investigation into the shooting deaths of Jessica Orton Lyman, 44, and her 8-year-old son, Eli Painter. No arrests have been made in the killings and no suspects have been named.

The four warrants also discuss a network of friends that the 15-year-old boy has online and how he has been known to spend up to 15 hours each day on messaging apps. Some of the messages sent by the teen were in regard to the double murder case, according to the warrants.

Lyman and Eli and were found in their townhome, 1244 N. Willowbrook Lane, on March 28, 2025, after her 17-year-old daughter discovered them in her mother’s bedroom. Eli, who was shot twice in the head, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lyman was taken to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and died a couple of days later. Investigators also found evidence that Lyman may have been sexually assaulted, according to court documents.

Lyman’s teenage son was found by police in the home. He said he had been sleeping and did not hear anything, according to police. When an officer asked him if there were any “weapons” in the home, the teen “responded that he wasn’t aware of any ‘guns’ inside the home,” although police had yet to use the word “gun,” according to the warrants.

When detectives searched the teen’s room, they found it “in a state of disarray. I also helped with the residence search, and observed dirty dishes, old food matter, dirty clothing, and overall clutter,” an officer wrote in one of the recently unsealed warrants originally served in October. Previous warrants say police also found two BB gun pistols, plate carriers and magazine pouches, and a handwritten note referencing “several forms of forensic evidence,” including “serology,” “DNA” and “firearm testing.” A detective also reported locating a second handwritten note stating, “This is a murder story.”

On July 15, detectives received a report regarding evidence collected from the home and sent to a forensics lab in Illinois for testing.

“Detectives had previously sent the clothing that (the teen) had been wearing when originally contacted by law enforcement on the day of the homicides. The lab report received from Microtrace Lab indicates that gunshot residue, or GSR, was present on (his) clothing. It should be mentioned that during the searches of the residence, no ammunition and/or firearms were located in the residence, and investigators still have not located the weapon that was used in the homicides. Detectives are unaware of any possible reason or explanation of why GSR would have been present on (the teen’s) clothing,” one of the new search warrant affidavits states.

In November, FBI dive teams and Saratoga Springs police searched the Jordan River and its surrounding banks for evidence. Although police declined to say what exactly they were looking for, it was noted that the murder weapon had not yet been recovered.

During the afternoon of March 28 — the day the shooting victims were discovered — the 15-year-old boy was taken to the Saratoga Springs Police Department with his father accompanying him. While at the police station, the teen repeatedly asked for his cellphone, according to investigators.

After obtaining a search warrant for the teen’s phone, detectives learned that the 15-year-old son “spends most of his time, 15 hours per day on average, on his phone talking with his friends on Discord and Snapchat” and used three different email addresses, according to one warrant.

“Other data on (the teen’s) cellphone indicates that he subscribed to channels on a social media app called Telegram,” the warrant states. “Detectives located a Telegram group chat/channel on (the teen’s) phone that shows messages where an identified person is offering a ‘dirty gun’ for sale. No further details regarding the firearm are available from the data that detectives have been able to review.”

In December, several search warrants that had been served in June during the early stages of the investigation were unsealed in 4th District Court. The warrants outlined the evidence collected to that point, but also mentioned some of the hurdles detectives were facing in interviewing family members. News stories about the warrants prompted Saratoga Springs police to release a statement saying that the warrants “provided an outdated narrative regarding the cooperation of the Lyman family” in the investigation. “We want to make clear that the Lyman family has been cooperative with our investigation in recent months.”

Search warrants were also “accidentally allowed to become unsealed” in July, police wrote in their most recent unsealed affidavit. “Several of the news outlets published articles that painted (the teen) in a negative light and indicated that he could possibly be responsible for the murders based on the information listed in the unsealed warrants.”

The warrants say the teen saw the July news stories and contacted his friends on social media apps “just to vent,” but “some of his friends had begun blocking him or refusing to talk with him due to the recent news articles that had been published.”

Investigators also found a friend that he “spent large amounts of time” chatting with on Discord, including on the night of the shootings, the warrant states.

On April 15, several weeks after the killings, the teen regained contact with that friend online. The boy “repeatedly told police, Children’s Justice Center case workers, and family that he wanted his phone to speak with his friends regarding the homicide on March 28. Detectives have learned that (he) is extremely invested in his friendships with online friends and that while detectives have been unable to speak with and/or interview (the teen), his communication with his friends … will help detectives to better understand what occurred on March 28, 2025,” according to the warrant.

Police say on April 28, the teen contacted his friend on Discord and “shared his frustration” that the friend “has not bothered to ‘research’ what happened on March 28, 2025,” the warrant says. After the friend agrees to do some quick research on the killings, the friend “continues to discuss what he has learned about the case with the teen.” Police noted that the teen “expresses knowledge of the case details and seems to question details that may not be true.”

The October warrant says, “As of July 18, 2025, detectives have still not been allowed to speak with or interview (the 15-year-old).”

Saratoga Springs police declined Monday to comment on the newly unsealed warrants.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Public Works Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department is beginning design work on a reconstruction project focused on improving safety and accessibility along Elm Street. Proposed improvements include street and sidewalk upgrades, traffic safety enhancements, and proposed speed limit changes, including a school zone near Alturas Academy. Community members are invited to learn more about the project and share their feedback through an online open house.

The online open house will allow residents to review proposed improvements for the reconstruction of Elm Street from Yellowstone Avenue to South Boulevard, explore an interactive map, and submit comments online. Public feedback will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2026.

To view the project and proposed improvements, visit the project story map website.

“Elm Street is an important part of our community, connecting downtown with South Boulevard,” said Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director. “The project will improve safety, accessibility, and street conditions for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and students. We encourage everyone to review the plans and provide input by Feb. 15.”

The project will reconstruct Elm Street to improve safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Key improvements include:

Reconstructing pedestrian ramps to meet ADA standards, making sidewalks and crossings accessible for all

Full-depth reconstruction of the roadway to improve street durability

Curb extensions (bulb-outs) at key intersections to improve pedestrian safety

Upgraded storm drain facilities

Relocation of the existing flashing beacon at Ridge Avenue for safer crossings

Updated signage and pavement markings to enhance traffic clarity

Proposed speed updates informed by a recent speed study near Alturas Academy. While the current posted speed limit is 25 mph, most drivers travel closer to 30 mph. The project proposes updating the posted speed to 30 mph, along with a dedicated 20 mph school zone during arrival and dismissal times to improve safety for students.

Design work is underway and is anticipated to be finalized in the spring of 2026 after receiving public input. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2027 to minimize disruptions to Alturas Academy’s school schedule. Public input is a vital part of the process, and the city is seeking feedback from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders on how Elm Street is used today and how the proposed improvements could better support safety and accessibility. This project is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to invest in critical infrastructure and improve connectivity by creating safer, more accessible streets for all users.

How to review and comment:

Explore the story map: View project details, maps and design concepts online.

Submit feedback: Share your comments using the online form on the story map

For more questions about the project or to receive assistance in filling out the form, contact Public Works at (208) 612-8250.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As immigration enforcement continues to raise questions and concerns for families across Idaho, the ACLU of Idaho is reminding immigrants of their rights if ICE or other law enforcement officers come to their home.

“Immigrants have most of the same rights that US citizens do. So they have freedom of speech. They have the freedom to be free of unlawful search and seizures. They have constitutional rights because they are living inside the United States,” Immigration Attorney Tim Jones said.

Here are your rights as an immigrant in the case of ICE coming to your home, according to the ACLU of Idaho:

If the police or immigration agents come to your home, you do not have to let them in unless they have certain kinds of warrants.

Ask the officer to slip the warrant under the door or hold it up to the window so you can inspect it. A search warrant allows police to enter the address listed on the warrant, but officers can only search the areas and for the items listed. An arrest warrant allows police to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant if they believe the person is inside. A warrant of removal/deportation (ICE warrant) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.

Even if officers have a warrant, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. If you choose to speak to the officers, step outside and close the door.

ICE is also not permitted to enter your home unless they have a legal warrant signed by a judge that states that they have the right to enter your home.

“You will want to make sure and actually look at that warrant and see that warrant for yourself,” Jones said, “They will often say that they have a warrant when they don’t, or they will show you a warrant that’s not actually signed by a judge. And you will want to make sure that it is actually a judicial warrant signed by a judge that gives them that permission.”

In the case that you are questioned by a police officer regarding your legal status, it’s important that you answer truthfully.

“It’s important that you not lie to them, that you not falsely tell them that you are a U.S. citizen if you’re not. But you do not need to tell them what your legal status is,” Jones said.

ICE is permitted to access non-public areas only if they present a valid judicial warrant, and that warrant should be reviewed by legal counsel before any access is allowed.

Here are some reminders in case you are taken into ICE custody,

You have the right to a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. If you do not have a lawyer, ask for a list of free or low-cost legal services.

You have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your arrest.

Tell the ICE agent you wish to remain silent. Do not discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.

Do not sign anything, such as a voluntary departure or stipulated removal, without talking to a lawyer. If you sign, you may be giving up your opportunity to try to stay in the U.S.

Remember your immigration number (“A” number) and give it to your family. It will help family members locate you.

Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.

What to do when ICE comes to your work:

According to CNN, ICE has gone to many workplaces over the past year. Here’s what to do in the case that ICE comes to your workplace.

Designate an immigration point person, someone to interact with ICE and request warrants.

Handling warrants: ICE can access public areas (lobbies, parking lots) without a warrant.

Put up signs marking non-public areas, post clear signs: “Staff only,” “Private,” or “No public access.”

If an agent gains entry to a private area without authorization, state, “I do not consent to your search or to you entering this private area.”

Document ICE activity, record what ICE takes (pictures or videos with permission).

Make essential information for staff easy to access.

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News Team

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Teton County Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two simultaneous snowmobile accidents that left two riders with serious injuries on Granite Creek Road this past Friday.

According to a post on TCSAR’s Facebook page, the first call came in just before 4 PM, indicating a 39-year-old man had crashed and rolled about 30 feet down an embankment. The man had seriously injured his leg in the crash. Due to the severity of the man’s injury, TCSAR mobilized both a helicopter and a ground team to the trailhead.

As teams were on the scene of the first site, preparing the rigging for short-haul, the volunteers received another distress call. A guided snowmobile party reported that a 32-year-old woman had collided with a tree. She had reportedly lost consciousness and was suffering from life-threatening injuries.

The serious nature of the accident forced rescue coordinators to pivot resources in real-time. he TCSAR helicopter paused its initial short-haul rescue to ferry a volunteer to the second crash site. It then looped back to the trailhead to pick up two additional rescuers to assist with the woman’s critical condition.

Meanwhile, Jackson Hole Fire/EMS dispatched two ambulances to the trailhead, while TCSAR deployed an additional vehicle and a RZR side-by-side to reach the second patient via the road.

The helicopter then returned to the first scene to take the injured man directly to a waiting ambulance. At the same time, ground teams stabilized the 32-year-old woman and transported her out of the backcountry using the RZR side-by-side. TCSAR says both patients were successfully handed over to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS for further medical treatment.

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Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — In the last two months, seven individuals, including three from Bonneville County, were sentenced to prison after being convicted of crimes against children, Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced Tuesday.

Cristian Escalera-Maldonado, Trustin McMurphy, and Matthew Dudley, each of Bonneville County, were sentenced in three cases as part of the investigation and enforcement efforts by the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit in collaboration with local law enforcement.

“I’m proud of our ICAC prosecutors and investigators, as well as our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice and deliver sentences that protect Idaho families from this evil,” said Attorney General Labrador in a news release. “Their hard work and dedication is resulting in the arrest and sentencing of dangerous criminals from our communities and ensuring children across our state are safer.”

Bonneville County Case Background

Cristian Escalera-Maldonado

Cristian Escalera-Maldonado, 32, received a twelve-year sentence from District Judge Dane H. Watkins on December 1, 2025. His conviction followed a tip to the Idaho Falls Police Department detailing the abuse of a group of minors.

In December 2024, IFPD received a call from a child reporting that Maldonado had abused them and two other children. According to court documents, Maldonado provided alcohol, marijuana, and vapes to three minor children and sexually abused them. He also recorded a portion of the sexual abuse on his phone.

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, investigators with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Falls Police Department serving in the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit arrested Maldonado at his home in Bonneville County. He was originally charged with four (4) counts of sexual battery of a minor 16 or 17 years old, one (1) count of lewd conduct with a minor under sixteen, one (1) count of sexual exploitation by production of child sexual abuse material, and one (1) count of sexual exploitation by possession of child sexual abuse material.

In September 2025, Maldonado pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Battery of a Minor Child Sixteen or Seventeen Years of Age and one count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct with a Minor Child Under Sixteen. Judge Watkins sentenced Maldonado to a total sentence of twelve years with ten years fixed and two years indeterminate.

Trustin McMurphy

In a separate case, 20-year-old Trustin McMurphy was sentenced to fifteen years in prison following a CyberTip that alerted authorities to possible child pornography on his digital devices.

In January of 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on McMurphey’s home, where they discovered numerous files depicting young children in graphic situations. According to court documents, many of these files depicted young girls ranging from ages two to fourteen years old, some of which depicted children engaged in sexual acts with adult men.

McMurphy was charged with 10 counts of felony willfully possessing or accepting Child Pornography. In November of last year, McMurphy pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child by Possession of Sexually Exploitative Material.

Matthew Dudley

Finally, 39-year-old Matthew Dudley was sentenced to thirty years in prison after a Microsoft Bing Images CyberTip led investigators to his home last August.

After obtaining search warrants, investigators uncovered approximately 2,000 files of child pornography featuring victims as young as one year old, many of which depicted children being sexually abused, according to court documents.

RELATED: Three men in East Idaho arrested for child exploitation charges

On January 20, 2026, District Judge Jason Walker sentenced Dudley to a term including six fixed years and twenty-four years indeterminate.

For more information on the four additional sentences as part of the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit’s enforcement efforts, click HERE.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Development is entering its final stages at the new Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center North Idaho Falls ER, the region’s first free-standing ER. While the ER won’t officially open until early February, Local News 8 had the chance to take a sneak peek inside the facility.

“So the freestanding E.R. is an exciting kind of addition to the Idaho Falls community. It functions as an emergency department. Just like the the main campus does over at our EIRMC, we have the ability to take care of any emergency here,” ER Physician Dr. Brandon Bloxham said.

The idea to build the EIRMC extension was to accommodate the rapid growth of Idaho Falls.

“As everyone’s seen Idaho Falls is growing exponentially right now. And with that, we see an exponential growth in the E.R. visits. So having another facility to help with that is going to be great for the community and great for us as physicians to to be able to serve the community,” Bloxham said.

The extension will provide similar care to the main EIRMC campus, equipped with 11 private exam rooms, a lab, X-ray and CT imaging and more. If any services need to be provided at the main campus, the hospital will take care of the transition.

“EIRMC North Idaho Falls ER will provide high-quality emergency care for members of our community and region. We believe it will be a more convenient option for many people, saving significant travel time when seeking care,” Betsy Hunsicker, the CEO of EIRMC, said in a July press release. “Patients can expect the same level of superior care as if they came directly to the ER on EIRMC’s campus.”

EIRMC will host an open house for the public at the North Idaho Falls facility on Tuesday, January 27, from 10 AM to Noon.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide continuous updates throughout the day.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the College of Eastern Idaho:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) is proud to announce that two student members of its campus Student Nurses Association (SNA) chapter, Karina Silva and Isabella Cantu, have been elected to serve as President and Vice President, respectively, of the Idaho Student Nurses Association (ISNA), a statewide chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association that empowers student nurses through leadership, education, and advocacy.

Both Silva and Cantu are currently in the final semester of CEI’s full-time Registered Nursing (RN) program, preparing to graduate and enter the healthcare workforce. Their new leadership roles within ISNA mark a significant achievement, not only for the students, but also for CEI’s growing nursing program.

“Being elected to this role is a significant milestone in my journey as a nurse and a Latina mother,” said Silva. “It motivates me to continue breaking barriers, serve my community, and inspire others who face similar challenges to pursue their dreams.” Silva says she’s especially excited to deepen her knowledge of leadership, policy, and advocacy in nursing.

For Cantu, ISNA has become a space for discovery and confidence. “Being part of ISNA has helped me grow by showing me the many opportunities available in nursing and reminding me that my voice matters,” she said. “It’s encouraged me to advocate not only for myself, but for fellow nursing students and the future of our profession.”

The Idaho Student Nurses Association is the state-level chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association and serves as a platform for students to gain leadership experience, network with healthcare professionals, and participate in conferences and advocacy efforts.

At CEI, student nurses are encouraged to build leadership and service skills through active participation in the Student Nurses Association (SNA), a campus-based club that regularly engages in service projects including blood drives and professional development activities. SNA fosters a supportive environment for future nurses, promoting collaboration, volunteerism, and peer-to-peer mentorship. Opportunities like ISNA leadership often grow out of students’ involvement in SNA at the college level.

The college plans to continue supporting student involvement in ISNA and similar leadership organizations, which align with CEI’s mission to empower students and meet the region’s healthcare needs.

To learn more about CEI’s nursing programs, www.cei.edu/program/registered-nursing.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho State Police Officer is being honored for a career that defines “going above and beyond.”

On Thursday, February 5, ISP Sergeant Amanda Ward will be recognized with the MVP Award during the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon. Hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation, the event celebrates the efforts of local law enforcement from the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and the ISP.

“Ward’s recognition highlights her exceptional commitment to service,” said ISP in a news release. “In addition to her work as a trooper, Ward is an active member of the Honor Guard and serves on the peer support team — roles that extend her impact well beyond traditional enforcement duties.”

The luncheon serves as a bridge between law enforcement and the citizens they protect. Members of the public are invited to attend, with all proceeds supporting ongoing community and law enforcement initiatives led by the Greater Idaho Falls Police.

The luncheon will take place on Thursday, Feb. 5, at noon at Melaleuca Headquarters. For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — A 37-year-old Idaho woman faces serious felony charges after allegedly stealing an SUV with a sleeping infant inside on Sunday night.

Rikki Johnson was arrested on January 25 by Chubbuck Police and charged with felony grand theft. She also faces charges related to an outstanding misdemeanor drug warrant. Additional charges are currently under review by the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation began after a silver Kia Sorento was stolen from a Chubbuck residence at about 7:56 P.M. At the time of the theft, a one-year-old infant was asleep in the back seat.

Fortunately, police say a family member quickly found the abandoned SUV on Hiline Road. Chubbuck Police Department confirmed the child was still asleep in the vehicle and was unharmed during the ordeal.

Following a multi-agency search, officers identified and apprehended Johnson. She has been booked into the Bannock County Jail and is set to appear for a video arraignment on the drug charges later today, January 26, 2026.

“It’s important to point out that we’re a relatively safe community, and things like this don’t happen a lot,” said Chubbuck Police Chief Nick Sasser. “I think we can all say we’re glad it ended the way it did.”

Sasser emphasized that while the child was left in the vehicle for only a short period, and the incident occurred at a private residence, not a shopping center, it is still important for one parent to remain with children in a vehicle when possible.

“When you’re talking hypotheticals to people and you’re trying to explain to them that they shouldn’t leave a child in the vehicle, it’s a hypothetical situation, so it’s not real,” he said. “In this case, it was very real to this family.”

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News Team

The following is a news release from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest

ASHTON IDAHO, January 25, 2026 – The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has confirmed a fire in the historic Bear Gulch railroad tunnel, located approximately 0.4 miles from the Bear Gulch parking area along the Railroad Right-of-Way Trail.

The incident remains under investigation, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. For public safety, the Forest Service is asking visitors to avoid this section of the trail until further notice.

This incident is not related to the pile burning the Forest conducted Thursday, eight miles northwest of Bear Gulch on Ashton Hill.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Forest Service Patrol Captain Rayce Angell at 208-313-5829 or rayce.angell@usda.gov.

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