A 50-year-old Idaho man, Jeremy Albert Best, pleaded guilty to the murders of his pregnant wife, Kali Best, and their 10-month-old son, Zeke Gregory Best. The plea agreement, made on Thursday, included a guilty plea to first-degree murder for the death of his son and second-degree murder for his wife’s death, as well as for the death of their unborn child, Freya. As part of the deal, he will avoid the death penalty. The sentencing, which is expected to result in a life sentence, will take place at a hearing scheduled for July 23.
The tragic events began on November 30, 2023, when local authorities responded to a report of a man acting strangely in a Swan Valley general store. A video taken by a nearby surveillance camera showed Jeremy Best inside the store, appearing disoriented and slumped over the counter. He was escorted out of the store by store personnel, and an ambulance arrived to take him to a local hospital for medical and mental health evaluation. After receiving treatment, he was released from the hospital.
Later that same day, around 12 hours after the store incident, a 911 dispatcher in Teton County received a call reporting a disturbance at a home in Victor. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Kali Best unresponsive and deceased. Investigators quickly determined that Jeremy Best had killed his wife before kidnapping their son, Zeke. An Amber Alert was issued for the missing child, and a warrant for Jeremy Best’s arrest was also issued, with authorities warning that he was armed and dangerous.
Two days later, on December 2, 2023, a group of hunters discovered a man in a sleeping bag on the side of the road east of Idaho Falls. The hunters reported the man as being naked and making “odd statements,” prompting the sheriff’s office to send deputies to the scene. Upon arrival, law enforcement identified the man as Jeremy Best and arrested him. Nearby, authorities found his black SUV off the road, partially down an embankment. Tragically, inside the vehicle, they found the body of Zeke, who had been killed by a knife wound to his neck.
Jeremy Best’s actions were horrifying and brutal, though authorities have not revealed a specific motive for the killings. The details of the crime were shocking to the community, as Kali Best had been a devoted mother and wife. She was known for her love of animals, especially her dogs, and had embraced motherhood as her greatest joy. It is believed that she may have died trying to protect her children.
Kali’s cousin, Meg Fischer, spoke about the victim’s life, emphasizing her strong connection to the mountains and the deep love she had for her family. Fischer expressed sorrow over the loss, saying that Kali’s life was likely taken while she was protecting her children. She shared that the family would continue to love her “endlessly,” even as they grieve the brutal loss.
Jeremy Best’s arrest and eventual guilty plea have offered some closure to the family members of the victims. However, the case remains a deeply tragic and sorrowful reminder of the impact of violent crimes on families and communities. The upcoming sentencing will mark the next step in bringing justice to those affected by the deaths of Kali and Zeke Best.
