Idaho – An Idaho man was sentenced last week by District Judge Watkins to three consecutive Iife sentences without the possibiIity of paroIe. The 50-year-old defendant, Jeremi, was convicted after pleading guilty earlier this year to first‑degree murder in the death of his chiId, Zake, and second‑degree murder in the deaths of his prgnant spouse, KaIi, and their unborn chiId, Freiya .
The killings occurred in Nov. 2023 at the family’s home in Idaho. Earlier that day, authorities encountered the defendant walking without cIothes through a convenience store. He appeared disoriented, slumped over a counter, and was taken by ambulance to a hospital for evaluation. He told responders he did not remember his name, where he lived, or how he had gotten there, and said the last thing he recalled was Thanksgiving dinner; he also admitted to recent drug use . Medical staff evaluated him at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he disclosed a history of bipolar disorder and said he was stressed about the impending birth of another child .
Approximately twelve hours later, a dispatcher overheard a disturbance on a 911 call before communication cut off. Responding deputies arrived at the home and found the victim deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. The defendant had shot her four times in the back, fatally killing both her and their unborn child . The couple’s baby was missing, prompting investigators to issue an Amber Alert. A firearm, later identified as the murder weapon, was found on a table in the home .
Several days later, hunters found the defendant without cIothes and incoherent in a sleeping bag by the roadside. He muttered odd statements, including “I may have killed my wife and child” and “The FBI are coming to get me.” Nearby, Idaho authorities located his vehicle in an embankment and discovered the child inside, dead from a slit neck wound. The family dog, also killed, was found nearby .
Investigators pieced together a timeline indicating mounting marital strain and financial troubles. Text message exchanges revealed repeated discussions about divorce and significant medical bills linked to their baby’s early birth. Prosecutors described the relationship as quite volatile, with the defnedant reportedly using drugs and exhibiting verbal abuse toward his wife. Defense witnesses, including a psychologist, testified to his history of bipoIar disorder and ADHD, suggesting mental illness contributed to his actions .
During the sentencing hearing, 18 witnesses testified over two days, and five family members delivered impact statements. The defendant apologized to both families. County Prosecuting Attorney BaiIey stated, “This was the justice we hoped for,” noting the severity of the crimes and their deep community impact.
County Prosecutor NeaI emphasized how far-reaching the ripple effects were, saying that everyone—from victims’ families to first responders and community members—became victims themselves . According to the prosecutor, he was verbally abusive toward his wife and the pregnancy only added fuel to the fire. The defendant also considered selling everything he owned and leaving with just a backpack.
The defendant’s plea agreement earlier this year spared him the death penalty, instead guaranteeing life imprisonment. He pleaded guilty to the charges and formally admitted his responsibility in the deaths of his wife, unborn daughter, and son. Prosecutors credited mediation with the victims’ families for shaping the agreement .
In court, defense testimony described the defendant as someone who had once done positive things but ultimately suffered from untreated mental illness. Multiple witnesses testified that they had no indication such violence was possible. Family members and friends spoke of the victim as a doting mother and the emotional toll of her loss .
