DNA, mask, and note found after Utah mum and 8-year-old killed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jessica-Orton-Lyman-eli-painter-071025-4034511950a3444ab232a7435e3d6cce.jpg)

Tragic details have emerged in the case of Jessica Lyman and her 8-year-old son Eli, who were found shot dead in their Saratoga Springs, Utah home. The investigation into their deaths has taken a disturbing turn with the discovery of DNA evidence, a mask, and handwritten forensic notes. While no suspect has yet been named, the unsealed warrants have revealed chilling clues found at the crime scene.
According to reports, Jessica Lyman’s 15-year-old son had sent her a series of distressing texts in the days leading up to the tragic incident. Investigators found a handwritten note in the boy’s room which ominously read, “This is a murder story.” The warrants, filed on April 18 and obtained by PEOPLE, provide insights into the events surrounding the double homicide that shook the quiet neighbourhood.

Authorities were alerted to the scene on Willowbrook Lane after Lyman’s 17-year-old daughter made a horrifying discovery of her mother and brother lying unconscious and covered in blood. The young boy had been shot twice in the head with a small-calibre round and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Despite efforts to save her, Jessica Lyman succumbed to her injuries two days later in the hospital.
During the initial questioning, the 15-year-old son claimed he had been using his phone late into the night and was asleep at the time of the incident. However, further investigation uncovered suspicious genetic material in the room where Jessica Lyman was found. Additionally, intimate articles of clothing belonging to Lyman were discovered in the teenager’s possession, along with a handwritten note referencing forensic testing and a mask resembling one seen in surveillance footage near the victims’ home.
The warrants also mention a figure captured on video walking near the victims’ residence on the night of the murders, wearing a distinctive mask. Further clips show the individual reappearing in the early hours of the morning, donning the same mask. Despite these leads, the case remains unsolved, prompting Lyman’s family to issue a heartfelt plea for justice and closure.
The grieving family shared their sentiments, expressing the profound loss they continue to endure every day. They highlighted the absence of Jessica and Eli’s smiles and laughter, underscoring the immense impact the tragedy has had on their lives. As they await answers, they remain hopeful that those responsible will be held to account, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
In response to media reports surrounding the unsealed warrants, the Saratoga Springs Police Department affirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for the victims. They emphasised the cooperation of the victims’ families throughout the investigation and urged the public to respect their privacy during this challenging time. With investigations ongoing and the community reeling from the shocking events, the search for answers and closure continues.
The disturbing case has captured national attention, shedding light on the complexities of the criminal investigation and the toll it has taken on the victims’ loved ones. As the search for the truth unfolds, the community stands united in demanding justice and resolution for Jessica Lyman and her young son Eli. Their memory lives on as a testament to the importance of seeking justice in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
