In Victor, Idaho, 50-year-old Jeremy Best has been sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison, for killing his pregnant wife, Kali Randall Best, their son, Zeke, and their unborn baby, Freya.
The sentencing judge, Dane H. Watkins Jr. from the Seventh Judicial District, made it clear that Best will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no chance of parole.
The tragic events took place on November 30, 2023, when Kali Randall Best was found dead inside her home in Victor, Idaho.
Her 10-month-old son, Zeke, was also missing from the house, having been abducted by his father.
Two days later, on December 2, 2023, Jeremy Best was arrested near Idaho Falls after hunters spotted a naked man behaving erratically near Dan Creek Road.
Not far from where he was found, police found Best’s black Chevy SUV, which had crashed down an embankment—and sadly, they also discovered Zeke’s lifeless body nearby.
According to Law&Crime, he shot his wife four times from the back, then slit his son's neck with a knife when he abducted him.
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| Kali Randall Best, their son, Zeke |
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| Best’s black Chevy SUV |
“Our thoughts are with the family of the victims involved in this case," the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said in a statement.
“This was a devastating crime that impacted not just the family, but the entire community.”
Initially, Best pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included two counts of first-degree murder for Kali and her unborn child.
However, in February 2025, he changed his plea to guilty, avoiding the death penalty but guaranteeing he would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
At the sentencing hearing, 18 witnesses testified, and five family members delivered emotional impact statements.
Prosecutors said Jeremy Best and his wife had a very troubled relationship, which was made worse by money problems and his drug use.
According to Law&Crime, he was often verbally abusive, and the pregnancy only made things worse.
Text messages showed that Jeremy Best constantly talked about his financial struggles and how he was trying to get loans for his money problems.
In one message, Jeremy mentioned that he was even thinking about selling everything and “leaving with just a backpack.”
“This was the justice we hoped for. We will sleep tonight knowing the Defendant will never be able to do this to anyone else,” said Teton County Prosecuting Attorney Bailey Smith Baker, while expressing relief at the outcome.
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| Jeremy Best |
Several law enforcement agencies worked on the case—the FBI, Idaho State Police, and local sheriff’s offices.
Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal reflected on the widespread impact, saying: “This crime affected everyone who knew and loved Kali and Zeke, the law enforcement and first responders, and the citizens… They all became victims of Jeremy Best’s crimes.”
While nothing can undo the pain caused by Jeremy Best’s actions, the sentencing brings a measure of closure.
For now, the community remembers Kali, Zeke, and Freya—and hopes their story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
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