VICTOR, ID – An Idaho man who killed his pregnant wife and infant son has been sentenced to three consecutive life terms, bringing a harrowing chapter for his family and the local community to a close.

Jeremy Albert Best, 50, received the sentence Thursday for the murders of his 39-year-old wife, Kali Best, their unborn daughter, Freya, and their 10-month-old son, Zeke Best. The ruling comes after Best pleaded guilty earlier this year to first-degree murder for killing his son and second-degree murder in the deaths of his wife and unborn child.

Authorities from Teton and Bonneville counties said the case was resolved through a plea agreement reached after mediation and with input from family members of the victims. Prosecutors depicted the crimes as among the most disturbing their offices have encountered.

Investigators revealed that Jeremy Best and his wife endured ongoing turmoil at home. Their marriage was punctuated by frequent disputes, financial troubles, and substance abuse. Evidence submitted in court included text messages that indicated Jeremy Best regularly stressed over money, considered drastic changes, and was emotionally unstable in the months leading up to the killings.

During the three-day sentencing hearing, the judge heard testimony from detectives as well as a neighbor who recounted hearing gunshots on the day of the murders. The prosecutor told the court that these were not crimes of passion, but calculated acts carried out by a husband and father against his own family.

Kali Best’s relatives spoke in court and described the immense toll the tragedy has had on their family. Her sister, Emma Brice, shared the pain of learning that the person they trusted most to protect Kali was the one responsible for her death, as well as the deaths of baby Freya and Zeke.

Family members recounted the moment they heard of the killings and described the lasting trauma the losses have wrought. They spoke of Kali’s passion for the Idaho mountains, her devotion to motherhood, and her affection for animals.

The investigation began on November 30, 2023, after deputies in Bonneville County received reports of a naked man wandering through a general store in Swan Valley. Paramedics transported Jeremy Best to a hospital for an evaluation. Twelve hours later, a 911 call in Teton County led deputies to the Best home in Victor, where they discovered Kali Best dead. Detectives concluded she had been shot multiple times and that Jeremy Best had taken their son.

An Amber Alert was issued for Zeke as authorities searched for Best, who was labeled as armed and dangerous. The manhunt continued for two days until hunters east of Idaho Falls notified the sheriff’s office after encountering a naked man behaving erratically by the roadside. Deputies arrested Jeremy Best and found his vehicle nearby, where they discovered Zeke Best deceased inside.

Kali Best’s family described her as a woman deeply connected to Idaho’s natural beauty and her role as a mother. Relatives said they believe she tried to protect her children in her final moments.

With Thursday’s sentencing, Jeremy Best is set to spend his life in prison without the possibility of parole.