Author: KIFI

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – The Rexburg Soup Kitchen has been open for just over three weeks, and organizers say it is already benefiting more people than expected.

The organization is serving 100 meals on average to people in need each week.

Organizers say they’ve also been delighted by the sheer number of people who have volunteered to help. They say they’ll have volunteers booked till late May or early June.

“I have been amazed at the variety of circumstances that people come from. We’ve had senior citizens, we’ve had young adults. We’ve had single parents with young children, just a variety of people coming in, and it’s great to see the entire community coming in. For those who need help, and we’re happy to help whoever with whatever we can do for them, if possible,” said Co-founder of the Rexburg soup kitchen, Margo Merrill.

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The deadline to file your taxes has passed, and the 2025 tax season is winding down. Financial experts tell Local News 8 it’s been a pretty standard tax season.

People using direct deposit can expect to see their returns in their bank account 5 to 10 business days after processing.

Checks will usually take a bit longer to arrive. If you missed the deadline, you can still file your taxes without penalty if you’re expecting a return.

If you do owe money, financial experts suggest that you take immediate action, and late filing penalties can be expected. 

“The biggest problem that we have is people that start new businesses. A lot of people aren’t aware that partnership and corporation returns are actually due on March 15th. And so every year we get several people that come in here that have started new leases or new partnerships or corporations after March 15th, and they’re already late,” said Brett Zollinger, CPA at Sutton & Simmons PLLC.

The next tax deadline is for nonprofits that have a regular calendar year end, and that’s May 15th.

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – One of the men charged in connection with the February 2024 shooting at Compass Academy in Idaho Falls has changed his initial plea.

20-year-old Gabriel Perkins pleaded guilty Wednesday to Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Alex Barber and Aggravated Battery in the shooting of an Idaho Falls man at the Compass Academy in Idaho Falls, in February 2024. 

Under a plea agreement, the parties will recommend that Perkins face up to 40 years in prison, according to Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal.

Perkins is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Dane H. Watkins, Jr., on June 17, 2025.

The plea agreement was reached through mediation, which involved the surviving victim and the victims’ families, Neal told Local News 8.

Perkins had initially pleaded not guilty after being indicted by a Bonneville County Grand Jury in March of 2024.

Charges are still pending against two other defendants for the events that occurred during the confrontation between over 10 individuals in a parking lot behind the school. For more information, click HERE.

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE: 3:15 PM

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Only a day after the funeral of the disabled 17-year-old shot by Pocatello Police officers, a major civil rights firm, Burris Nisenbaum Curry & Lacy (BNCL), has filed a wrongful death and civil rights violation claim against the city of Pocatello on behalf of the family of Victor Perez.

The firm represents Victor’s guardian, Luis Alicea, his mother, Wanda Alicea; his sister, Monica Perez; and his aunt Ana Vazquez. The group was holding a family barbeque when Pocatello police officers shot the non-verbal autistic teenager, who also suffered from cerebral palsy.

The lawyers of BNCL have represented numerous families and victims of wrongful police shootings caused by the failure of police to follow basic legal and constitutional standards of policing, according to a release by the firm.

“The family wanted the police to help their son, not kill him,” said John Burris, an attorney with 40-plus years of representing victims of police abuse, including representing Rodney King in his case against Los Angeles Police officers. “The officers’ conduct shocks the conscience of all families needing assistance with developmentally disabled kids.” 

The four responding officers shot Victor Perez nine times. The lawyers of BNCL argue that when the shooting started, the 17-year-old’s sister and mother were standing close to Victor and in the line of fire.

“Moreover, no de-escalation methods were attempted. Perez possessed a knife at the time of the incident. Mr. Perez was located behind a chain-link fence,” write BNCL lawyers in a press release. “Mr. Perez presented with obvious disabilities and appeared incapable of posing an actual threat to the officers, who were on the other side of the approximate 4-foot fence.”

Video from the scene shows 17-year-old Perez’s own family was able to keep a distance from the knife and were not in immediate danger, argues the firm.

BNCL’s filing argues that Perez posed “no significant threat to the officers to justify lethal force.” Following the amputation of his leg and two additional surgeries, doctors determined that Victor was brain-dead. He was taken off life support on Saturday, April 12.

“The officers had obvious alternatives to the unconscionable decision to open fire on Victor, shooting him 9 times within seconds of arrival. Not once did they tell his family members that they would shoot if they didn’t move away from Victor, and there’s no chance that they really believed Victor was able to stab them from behind the fence. If the officers actually thought that, they would have stepped back, away from the fence, when Victor started to move toward them.” Civil Rights Attorney Ben Nisenbaum

“The way Victor was moving was consistent with a person who was developmentally and physically disabled, not some superman who would bound over the fence at them.  We hope the investigation being conducted by the Idaho Attorney General recognizes the obvious:  These officers criminally failed at their jobs and should be held to account for their actions in criminal court,” said Nisenbaum.

Bannock County Coroner conducts forensic autopsy

The shooting incident is under investigation by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force. The Bannock County Coroner’s Office has conducted a forensic autopsy for Victor Perez, as part of the medicolegal death investigation, according to a press update from Bannock County officials.

The autopsy was completed on Monday, April 14, 2025. The results and information obtained will only be provided to the investigating agencies involved and the Perez family.

“While there is significant national interest in this case, it is important to emphasize that it is being handled with the same level of consistency and diligence as all of our cases,” write Bannock County officials.

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – 11 Idaho defendants have been convicted on federal drug trafficking charges after attempting to distribute large amounts of fentanyl in southern Idaho, according to a release by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.

According to court documents, the group had recruited recent parolees during their time in prison in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl from the United States/Mexico border to distribute in Idaho.

The following individuals have been sentenced for federal drug violations:

Austin Chad Lee, 29, of Twin Falls, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Arafat Ramirez, 43, of Jerome, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Brandon Aaron Dana, 37, of Leadore, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl.

Tina Jane Morris, 46, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Sammy Davey Martinez, 49, of Nampa, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Jamie Lee Coltrin, 36, of Rupert, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl.

Jenika Ann Johnson, 31, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl.

Daniel Ross Coltrin, 40, of Paul, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Rosa Ramirez, of Jerome, 64, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Rachel Dixon, 36, of Boise, was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for distribution of fentanyl.

Laila Vanessa Ramirez-Martinez, 35, of Jerome, was sentenced to two years’ probation for false statement.

The conviction was the result of a large-scale investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force involving the cooperative efforts of 10 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The success of this investigation is the direct result of cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” wrote Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott in a prepared statement.  “Protecting Idahoans from dangerous drugs flowing up from the Mexico border is one of our highest law enforcement priorities, and I commend each of the agencies involved for their outstanding work achieving justice in this case.”

In Early 2023, detectives with Idaho State Police (ISP) received a tip that 29-year-old Austin Chad Lee of Twin Falls was distributing large amounts of fentanyl in southern Idaho, according to court records. ISP detectives coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies to quickly investigate Lee and identify the source of the drugs.

Investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Lee and other co-conspirators, including Jamie Coltrin, Jenika Johnson, Brandon Dana, Tina Morris, and Daniel Coltrin. 

Investigators uncovered that recent parolees were recruited into the conspiracy during their time in prison. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the conspirators helped traffic fentanyl from the United States/Mexico border to distribute in Idaho, while other members of the conspiracy accepted payment for the drugs.

In July 2023, the investigation expanded to include Lee’s Mexico-based drug supplier and other co-conspirators. From this, investigators identified additional co-conspirators Arafat Ramirez, Rosa Ramirez, Laila Ramirez-Martinez, Sammy Martinez, and Rachel Dixon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The investigation was extensive and resulted in the seizure of over 48,000 fentanyl pills and four pounds of methamphetamine, significantly hindering the flow of fentanyl into Idaho and the Magic Valley area, says Whattcott.

“We are proud the State of Idaho works so well with our federal partners to protect the public,” said Governor Brad Little.  “The goal of our Operation Esto Perpetua initiative is to equip law enforcement with the training and tools they need to keep Idaho safe.  Today’s announcement about the conviction of 11 drug traffickers demonstrates what Idaho is doing is working.”

In addition to the work by the ISP and DEA agencies, Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott aplauded the following agencies for assisting in the investigations and arrests of the above-named individuals:  Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Garden City Police Department, and the Idaho Department of Correction.

Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls Regional Airport is adding a new flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Aug. 6, 2025. The flight will be operated by American Airlines.

“This is a route that the Idaho Falls Regional Airport has been after for a number of years, far longer than I’ve been here,” Idaho Falls Regional Airport Director Ian Turner said. “It offers the opportunity for people not only to reach one of our top 15 destination markets in Chicago, but have easy one stop service to another four of our top 15 destinations.”

“The easier we can make it to depart from here, the easier travel is for everyone,” Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper said. “Gone are the days when Idaho Falls residents had to factor in a drive and perhaps even a night stay in Salt Lake before they caught their flights to their favorite destinations.”

This is a huge step forward for the airport, as they prepare for a major expansion in June.

“We’re looking to begin the expansion to this terminal building that was announced almost a year and a half ago,” Turner said. “That will address what we’re looking at with infrastructure and utilities to accommodate the full build out of this terminal building over the coming decade.”

Airport officials are also looking to add flights to other major destinations as well.

“Our most recent study tells us that a lot of people who come here are trying to get to Los Angeles, and so we’re still trying to find the sweet spot to get our residents that direction as well,” Casper said. “But when you think about it, once we achieve, that route, we’ll be able to get people just about anywhere they need to go in a pretty short amount of time.”

Flights will arrive from Chicago at noon, and depart from Idaho Falls at about 12:30 daily. It will be a seasonal service until Nov. 1, 2025.

ORIGINAL:

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Idaho Falls and the Idaho Falls Regional Airport are excited to announce American Airlines’ initiation of seasonal nonstop service between Idaho Falls Regional Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on Aug. 6, 2025. This new service will operate midday, allowing travelers to connect to destinations on the East Coast, Florida, and internationally on American’s comprehensive global network. 

“We are thrilled to have this new air service in Idaho Falls,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “The summer months are the busiest of the year for IDA and it is a big win for travelers through our region to have this new flight option to explore. American Airlines has been an excellent partner when it comes to meeting traveler needs.” 

This new service is offered daily from Aug. 6 to Nov. 1, 2025, and will be flown on the 65-seat CRJ-700 aircraft that passengers in Idaho Falls are familiar with.

This marks American’s newest route serving IDA since 2021. American Airlines also flies year-round service daily to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and seasonal service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

“American looks forward to welcoming customers on our new service between Idaho Falls Regional Airport and our Chicago O’Hare hub,” said Joe Hughes, Managing Director, Government Affairs at American. “This new flight will offer customers convenient access to all that Chicago has to offer and shorter travel times with American to destinations like New York, Washington, D.C., and global cities such as London and Barcelona.” 

Whether you’re craving deep-dish pizza, eager to stroll along the Magnificent Mile, or planning a family day at Navy Pier, Chicago offers big-city excitement with Midwestern charm. Known for its stunning skyline, award-winning restaurants, iconic sports teams, and vibrant neighborhoods, Chicago is the perfect destination for a getaway or a last-minute adventure.

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

ARIZONA (KIFI): The prosecution and Lori Vallow Daybell have rested their case in Vallow’s high-profile murder conspiracy trial.

Closing arguments and jury instructions will be held on Monday, April 21. The court will be back in session at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time (11:30 a.m. Mountain Time).

Watch the afternoon recap below.

Watch the morning recap below.

UPDATE:

ARIZONA (KIFI) – Prosecutors may be able to rest their case today as the court enters the seventh day of Lori Vallow Daybell’s second murder trial on Wednesday.

The trial will resume after a brief lunch break at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time (2:30 p.m. Mountain)

Local News 8 is streaming the trial below.

Wednesday morning, the prosecutor called Chandler Police Detective Nathan Duncan to the stand. Duncan was working on July 11, 2019, and responded to the scene of Charles Vallow’s murder after learning of the shooting on his police radio.

Duncan’s testimony further explained the scene of Charles Vallow’s Arizona home following the shooting, as evidence of Lori’s private emails and text messages made on Charles’s phone after his death.

ORIGINAL:

ARIZONA (KIFI) – Prosecutors may be able to rest their case today as the court enters the seventh day of Lori Vallow Daybell’s second murder trial on Wednesday.

The trial will continue on Tuesday morning, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Pacific time (11:30 a.m. Mountain). There is a 30-minute delay as per the Judge’s orders.

The state has called a total of 18 witnesses in the trial so far, and less than a handful remain to be called, according to reports by Fox 10 Phoenix.

Tuesday, the jury heard testimony from two members of the Chandler Police Department, Det. Cassandra Ynclan and Det. Ariel Werther.

Det. Werther presented a PowerPoint of the geographic location of Charles’s cell phone following his death. The location data confirmed that Lori Vallow had taken her children to buy flip flops and to a fast food restaurant directly after her fourth husband’s death.