On July 24th, 2025, Jeremy Albert Best, a 50-year-old from Driggs, Idaho, was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole by Seventh Judicial District Judge Dane H. Watkins, Jr., in Teton County. The sentencing followed a two-day hearing for the first-degree murder of his 10-month-old son, Zeke Best, and the second-degree murders of his wife, Kali Best, and her unborn child, Freya, in November 2023. The crimes occurred across Teton and Bonneville Counties.
The sentencing came after testimony from 18 witnesses and victim impact statements from five family members, highlighting the profound loss felt by the community. Teton County Prosecuting Attorney Bailey Smith Baker stated, “This was the justice we hoped for. We are pleased that the Court gave a life sentence for each victim.” Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal emphasized the ripple effect of the crimes, noting that they impacted not only the victims’ loved ones but also first responders and residents of both counties.Best pleaded guilty in February 2025 as part of a plea agreement that spared him the death penalty, which prosecutors had initially sought.
The case began after a 911 hang-up call led to the discovery of Kali Best’s body, followed by a 30-hour search involving multiple agencies, including the FBI and Idaho State Police, to locate Zeke, who was found deceased near Idaho Falls. The investigation, which required thousands of hours, was supported by extensive evidence, including crime scene findings and witness testimonies.For more information, contact the Teton County Prosecutor’s Office or visit tetoncountyid.gov.
- Changes to 2025 Elk Hunting Season on National Elk Refuge - July 28, 2025
- Signal Flats Fire Contained at 8 Acres in Grand Teton National Park; Suppression Efforts Continue - July 27, 2025
- Crews Fight Signal Mountain Fire - July 26, 2025
