'I Wish I Died in Your Stomach': Cops Find Chilling Text Sent by Teen Before Murdering His Mother and Brother

On Friday, August 21, a 17-year-old teenager from Utah was charged in connection with killing his own mother and younger brother in 2025. During the investigation of the family members' deaths, authorities uncovered a text from the then-15-year-old, saying, 'I wish I died in your stomach.'

Jessica Lyman, 44, and her eight-year-old son, Eli Painter, were found shot inside their Saratoga Springs home on March 28, 2025. Eli died at the scene, and while Lyman was taken to hospital, she unfortunately died three days later on 31 March.

Initially, the accused teenager, who the police have not publicly named, told police he had been asleep and had not heard the gunshots. Over a year later, he was arrested after authorities stated that the evidence they've gathered during the investigations didn't align with the teenager's accounts.

The juvenile is now charged with two counts of aggravated murder, along with an obstruction-of-justice charge. Authorities are seeking to have him tried as an adult.

Police Recovered Unsettling Messages

Documents presented in court featured a series of particularly hostile messages the then-15-year-old suspect sent his mother in July 2024. The messages were recovered through a forensic download of Jessica Lyman's phone on 2 April 2025.

In one exchange, he allegedly wrote: 'Do you know how insignificant you are to my life? Very insignificant.' Perhaps the most disturbing one was 'I wish I died in your stomach. Wouldn't have to put up with you.'

Other messages sent by the teenager to her mother included statements such as 'I don't like you, go away.' and 'Leave me the f*** alone.'

The messages were included in the search-warrant materials and have been cited as potentially relevant to investigators' theory of motive.

Key Evidence That Pointed Toward the Teenager

Recovered surveillance footage from neighbouring homes contradicted the juvenile's claim of being asleep during the killings. Documents presented in court revealed an argument near the Lyman residence before being followed by multiple gunshots.

The teenager's claim that he was asleep during the killings was later challenged by evidence from neighbouring homes. A woman's voice, believed to be Lyman's, can reportedly be heard shouting, 'What are you doing?'

Shortly after, three more gunshots were recorded through the neighbouring home's CCTV.

Another footage saw a figure wearing a mask with a height and build consistent with the accused teenager.

Authorities also stated that gunshot residue was discovered on multiple items of the teenager's clothing. Furthermore, his DNA was found beneath his mother's fingernails and the waistband of her shorts.

Perhaps the most harrowing key evidence recovered by the authorities was loungewear belonging to his mother with a note that allegedly read, 'This is a murder story,' in the teen's room.

Remembering Jessica Lyman and Eli Painter

The 44-year-old mother was described as a devoted mother to her three children in her obituary. 'She worked tirelessly to create a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth, ensuring they always felt supported and cherished,' it continued.

Meanwhile, Eli was remembered as a kid who was fond of puzzles, whose creativity would shine in his LEGO builds.

Two GoFundMe pages have been set up for the family since the incident, both of which have raised over $34,000 (£25,000).