Death penalty sought for Idaho man who allegedly killed pregnant wife, child
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A jury trial has been set for Jeremy Albert Best, an Idaho man accused of murdering his pregnant wife and 10-month-old son, according to East Idaho News.
District Judge Dane Watkins Jr. scheduled the trial to begin on Sept. 15, 2025 in Teton County, Idaho. He was reportedly indicted by a grand jury on Dec. 18 for three counts of first-degree murder and three enhancements for the use of a firearm or other deadly weapon during the commission of a crime.
Best pleaded not guilty to all charges on Jan. 3. On Feb. 28, Teton County Prosecutor Bailey Smith filed a notice stating she intends to seek the death penalty against him.
Background
Best, 48, of Victor, is accused of killing his wife, Kali Randall, her unborn baby, and their 10-month-old son Zeke in Nov. of 2023.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, Best was seen walking through a general store nude in Swan Valley, Idaho. Best was taken to the hospital for medical and mental health concerns following the matter, and was discharged that afternoon.
That same night, at around 11:40 p.m., the Teton County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a home near 4600 Skyline Loop in Victor, Idaho. The dispatcher “heard a disturbance on the line,” East Idaho News reported, and deputies went to the house.
Upon arrival, authorities found Best’s wife, Kali, dead. An Amber Alert was issued for their infant son, Zeke, Friday morning.
At around 9:15 a.m. Saturday morning, Bonneville County Dispatch received a call from individuals hunting on Kepps Crossing Rd. near Dan Creek Rd., east of Idaho Falls. The two hunters reportedly stated they found a man in a sleeping bag on the side of the road who was “naked and making odd statements,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies responded to the scene and identified the man as Best, who was wanted by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office for homicide. Best was detained until medical personnel could arrive to treat him for any injuries.
Near the area where he was found, deputies found Best’s vehicle — a black Chevy SUV — down an embankment off the highway.
At the scene, deputies reportedly found Best’s infant son, Zeke, deceased.
Best has been incarcerated at Bonneville County Jail since Dec. 2.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
