Note: We are republishing this story, which originally made headlines in December 2023.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 10-month-old Idaho infant, Zeke Best, was found dead by authorities over the weekend, just one day after an Amber Alert was issued for his disappearance.
The tragic incident began when law enforcement apprehended the baby’s father, Jeremy Albert Best, on an arrest warrant related to the death of his wife. The discovery was made around 24 miles east of Idaho Falls, after a hunter reported an unusual sighting—a man, later identified as Jeremy Albert Best, was found lying naked in a sleeping bag by the roadside, making strange statements.
“The caller reported the man was naked and speaking erratically,” stated police officials.
An arrest warrant for Best was issued on Friday, with authorities suspecting his involvement in the kidnapping of his child in Teton County, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. A search of the area led officers to Best’s vehicle, which was found off the road in an embankment. Tragically, they discovered the lifeless body of baby Zeke at the scene, prompting an extensive investigation involving the Idaho State Police and the FBI.
The case grew even more tragic as authorities revealed that Jeremy Albert Best was also a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the death of his wife, Kali Jean Randall. Her body had been found just a day earlier in her Victor home, with the Teton County Sheriff’s Office ruling it a homicide.
Detectives from Bonneville County, Idaho State Police, and the Teton County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their investigation to uncover the details of this devastating crime, as reported by CBS affiliate KBOI-TV.
Jeremy Albert Best remains in the Bonneville County Jail, awaiting his arraignment. As of Saturday evening, efforts to confirm whether a defense attorney had been assigned to his case were unsuccessful.
Authorities have offered their condolences, acknowledging the deep sorrow of the victims’ families. “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families during this tragic time,” said law enforcement officials, as the investigation continues. The community remains deeply affected by this incomprehensible tragedy, as the search for justice intensifies.