More than seven months after Jessica Lyman, 44, and her 8-year-old son Eli Painter were fatally shot inside their Saratoga Springs home, investigators are preparing for a major new search effort. The FBI, working with the Saratoga Springs Police Department, will search a section of the Jordan River and its surrounding areas on Monday as authorities continue to hunt for critical evidence in the unsolved double murder.
Lyman and her son were attacked in the early hours of March 28, according to investigators. A teenage daughter discovered the horrific scene later that morning. Eli was pronounced dead at the home, while Lyman was rushed to the hospital but passed away several days later.
In a statement released Sunday, police confirmed they are coordinating with the FBI’s specialized dive team to comb through the river near the crime scene. While officials have not specified what type of evidence they’re seeking, they said the Jordan River site is “one of multiple locations” being investigated for potential clues tied to the killings.
Investigators have remained tight-lipped over the past several months, but unsealed search warrants have offered glimpses into the case. Among the details revealed:
- Doorbell camera footage reportedly showed an unidentified person loitering near the home that night.
- A mask found inside the residence bore similarities to the one seen on the unknown figure in the footage.
Despite these leads, no arrests have been made.
The victims’ family released a statement expressing cautious optimism following Sunday’s announcement. “We remain hopeful it will help bring accountability to those responsible,” they said. “We miss Jessica and Eli every single day and continue to seek the answers and justice their memories deserve.”
The Saratoga Springs Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported at 801-766-6503.
