An Idaho man, Jeremy Albert Best, 50, has pleaded guilty to murdering his pregnant wife and their 10-month-old son. He now faces life in prison after agreeing to a plea deal that removes the death penalty. Best will be sentenced on July 23, with prosecutors stating that the decision came after discussions with the victims’ family members.
What Happened?
The tragic incident occurred on November 30, 2023. Authorities became aware of the situation when the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a general store in Swan Valley, Idaho. Reports stated that a naked man was walking through the store, acting strangely. Security footage showed him slumped over the counter. Paramedics took him to the hospital for an evaluation before releasing him.
Around 12 hours later, a dispatcher in Teton County overheard a disturbance during a 911 call. Deputies rushed to a home at 4600 Skyline Loop in Victor, where they found 39-year-old Kali Best unresponsive. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Detectives later confirmed that Jeremy Best had killed his wife and taken their 10-month-old son, Zeke Gregory Best.
Search for Jeremy and Zeke
Following the discovery, an AMBER Alert was issued for Zeke, warning the public that Jeremy was considered “armed and very dangerous.” Two days later, on December 2, a group of hunters traveling east of Idaho Falls reported seeing a man in a sleeping bag on the side of the road. The caller described him as naked and making odd statements.
Deputies arrived at 9:17 a.m. and identified the man as Jeremy Best. They arrested him on the spot. His black SUV was found nearby, off the road in an embankment. Tragically, authorities discovered Zeke inside the vehicle, deceased.
Cause of Death and Investigation
Police determined that Jeremy shot his wife before fleeing with their son. He later killed Zeke by cutting his throat with a knife. The motive behind the killings remains unknown. Kali Best’s cousin, Meg Fischer, described her as a loving mother who cherished her family and the outdoors. “She loved the mountains and animals, especially her dogs,” Fischer said. “Motherhood was her greatest joy, and we believe she gave her life protecting her children.”
As Jeremy Best awaits sentencing, the victims’ family members mourn the loss of Kali, Zeke, and their unborn daughter, Freya.
