JOHNSON CITY, TN – A mother has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse following the tragic deaths of her young children in their Tennessee home. Jessica Chandler, 29, stands accused of smothering her one-year-old son Eli and four-year-old daughter Vista using a blanket adorned with characters from the Disney film “Lilo & Stitch.”

Officers from the Johnson City Police Department were called to the scene on October 29, where they found the children’s father trying desperately to revive them in the front yard. As described in court this week, Officer Gary Price noted the father was administering CPR upon his arrival.

Inside the house, Price encountered Chandler in the bathtub with self-inflicted cuts on her arms. “There were razor blades with utility knives near the bathtub,” testified Price.

Despite efforts by first responders, Eli and Vista could not be saved. The children’s deaths triggered a thorough investigation, which quickly turned up significant evidence. Detective Michael Fowler testified that notes were found taped to kitchen cabinets, allegedly written by Chandler. The notes reportedly confessed to the killings and indicated her intention to commit suicide, with Chandler expressing feelings of inadequacy in protecting her children.

Initially, investigators considered the possibility of poisoning, given the absence of visible injuries. This theory changed after Chandler, in an interview with law enforcement, revealed to investigators that she had used a blanket to smother both children. Fowler recounted Chandler’s admission of smothering Vista while she lay in bed, then using the same method on Eli.

An autopsy later confirmed asphyxiation by smothering as the cause of death for both children.

With substantial evidence gathered, a judge found sufficient grounds to advance the case to a grand jury. Chandler is currently held at Washington County Jail with bond set at $2 million, and she is scheduled to appear in court again on March 31.

Eli had recently celebrated his first birthday. In the aftermath, an obituary for the children highlighted beautiful moments from their brief lives. Vista, a vibrant and spirited child, adored activities like riding her e-bike and playing in her sandbox. Eli, beginning to explore the world around him, was captivated by trucks and cherished time spent with his sister. Together, they formed an inseparable bond, remembered fondly by family and friends.