Kidnapped baby found dead near his father, who was being hunted for murdering his wife and kidnapping the baby
t’s been a busy, heartbreaking and macabre several days for residents and law enforcement in the greater Driggs, Idaho, part of the world – after a search for a local man suspected of murdering his wife and kidnapping his baby son was found naked in a sleeping bag on the side of a road – and his 10-month-old son was found nearby, deceased.
According to KUTV / CBS-12 News, the 10-month-old baby boy, Zeke Gregory Best, was found dead two days after he was first reported missing.
Two people hunting on Kepps Crossing road near Dan Creek Road, east of Idaho Falls, called Bonneville County dispatch at approximately 9:17 a.m. Saturday to report a man in a sleeping bag on the side of the road.
… the man was “naked and making odd statements.”
The man was later identified as 48-year-old Jeremy Albert Best, who was wanted by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office for the alleged homicide of his wife.
Background: On December 1, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office – headquartered in Driggs, Idaho – reported being on the hunt for a local murder suspect in Teton County. The Sheriff’s Office went on to say that on November 30 at approximately 11:55 a.m., Bonneville County deputies responded to a disturbance at the Swan Valley General Store regarding a man who was nude and walking through the store. Deputies contacted the male who was identified as Jeremy Best. Best was evaluated by EMS on scene and transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center by ambulance. A Bonneville County deputy followed the ambulance and Best was turned over to the hospital staff for further medical and mental health concerns.
But also on December 1, the same Sheriff’s Office announced to the public that they were looking for “an armed and dangerous homicide and kidnapping suspect last seen in Victor, Idaho,” who had kidnapped 10-month-old Zeke Gregory Best and who was responsible for the murder of a woman. The man they were looking for was the baby’s father, Jeremy Albert Best who was suspected of killing his wife, who was also Zeke’s mother. An Amber Alert was I initiated in Zeke’s name –
According to the Sheriff’s Office . . .
At approximately 11:39 P.M. November 30th 2023, The Teton County Sheriff’s Office received an open line 911 call from a residence at 4600 Skyline Loop in Victor, ID. Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to respond to a disturbance heard over the line by the 911 dispatcher.
Deputies arrived at the residence and located a non-responsive female subject.
The Female, identified as Kali Jean Randall, 38 of Victor ID was found deceased at the residence and her death is currently being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho State Police as a homicide at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office is currently attempting to locate Jeremy Albert Best, the husband of the deceased who is believed to have fled the area with his infant son, Zeke Gregory Best. Best is believed to be driving a Black 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV with Idaho Plates 1T39349.
Best is believed to be armed and very dangerous, members of the public who have information on the whereabouts of the suspect, vehicle or the endangered child should call 208-354-2323 or 911 immediately. Please do not approach or attempt to confront the suspect.
The very next day, December 2, at around 9:17 a.m., Bonneville County Dispatch received a call from individuals who were hunting on the Kepps Crossing Road near the Dan Creek Road, east of Idaho Falls, stating they located a man in a sleeping bag on the side of the road. The caller stated the man was naked and making odd statements. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies contacted the individuals and identified the man as Jeremy Albert Best, who was wanted by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office for killing his wife and kidnapping his son.
Best was secured and placed in a patrol car until Idaho Falls Ambulance personnel arrived to treat him for any injuries. Near the area where Best was located, deputies located his vehicle down an embankment off the roadway.
Tragically, deputies also located the baby boy, Zeke Best, who was found dead at the scene.
Jeremy Best was checked out medically and then taken to the Bonneville County Jail and booked on his outstanding Teton County Warrant. He will remain behind bars until his arraignment before the court.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the victims involved in this case. Further information about this case will be available at an appropriate time in the future as the investigation is still ongoing.” ~ Teton County Sheriff’s Office
For more on this heartbreaking story, see the video below.
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(Source: Teton County Sheriff’s Office)
(Cover photo, Jeremy Best and Zeke Best, Image credits: Bonneville Co. Sheriff’s Office and Teton Co, Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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