A Utah community is searching for answers after the violent deaths of a mother and her young son, and recently unsealed documents have shed disturbing light on what may have happened in their Saratoga Springs home.

A newly unsealed search warrant reveals graphic text messages, unsettling forensic discoveries, and surveillance footage that point to the possible involvement of the woman’s 15-year-old son, although no arrests have yet been made, as People reports.

On March 28, 2024, 17-year-old Olivia Lyman made a horrifying discovery in her home: her mother, 36-year-old Jessica Lyman, and her eight-year-old brother, Eli Painter, were found unresponsive in Jessica’s bedroom. Both were covered in blood, according to police. Eli was declared dead at the scene while Jessica was rushed to the hospital, where she died three days later.

Forensic clues reveal troubling circumstances

Authorities reported that both victims had been shot. Two spent .22-caliber shell casings were recovered from the bedroom. However, the weapon used in the shooting has not been found. This key missing evidence has been a central focus for investigators trying to solve the case.

Crime scene personnel made several troubling discoveries in Jessica’s bedroom. Her pants and undergarments were reportedly pulled down around her ankles, leading police to submit her clothing and bedding to the state crime lab for forensic analysis using alternate light sources. The lab is currently testing for bodily fluids.

Adding to the strange findings, police located sex toys and lubricant in both Jessica’s bedroom and her 15-year-old son’s room. A black fishnet stocking in Jessica’s room was matched by another stocking of the same kind found in the teen’s room.

Teen son's room raises questions

A search of the 15-year-old boy's bedroom uncovered more items that raised alarms. Officers identified several handwritten notes, one of which read, “This is a murder story.” Another note contained terms like “DNA,” “serology,” and “firearm testing,” suggesting an awareness of forensic techniques.

Investigators also found various masks, BB-style guns, plate carriers, and multiple sets of women’s underwear in the room. Officials have not yet commented on the full significance of these items or whether they may have been used or staged in connection with the crime.

Detectives obtained surveillance footage from a neighbor’s security system, which showed someone wearing a white face covering walking near the Lyman residence around 2:30 a.m. on March 28 -- just hours before the bodies were found. One of the masks discovered in the teen’s bedroom appears to match the one in the footage.

Texts shed light on teen's mental state

Though most of the evidence is circumstantial, investigators have pointed to a history of troubling interactions between Jessica Lyman and her 15-year-old son. A forensic download of Jessica’s phone conducted on April 2 revealed a string of text messages reportedly sent by the teen in July 2024, just eight months before the killings.

The messages reveal intense hostility. In one, the teen allegedly wrote, “I don’t like you to go away.” In others, he used profane language, telling his mother to “shut the f--- up” and calling her “mentally ill."

Another message appeared to express deep emotional distress: “I wish I had died in your stomach. Wouldn’t have to put up with you.” Police say these texts may be important to understanding a possible motive.

Authorities remain cautious amid ongoing probe

Despite the disturbing materials uncovered, law enforcement has not named a suspect. Authorities have made it clear that the investigation remains open and that they are considering the possibility that more than one person was involved in the deaths.

The case continues to evolve, and officials are urging the public not to jump to conclusions. Investigators are working with forensic experts to process all materials collected from the scene and are awaiting further lab results.

Local police have asked anyone with relevant information to contact Saratoga Springs law enforcement. The community remains shaken, anxiously awaiting developments in the case.

Lessons to learn

1. Open communication with teenagers is critical. The hostile texts in this case show that the relationship between parent and child was extremely strained. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals must work together to improve dialogue and look for warning signs of emotional distress or violent ideation.

2. Secure and monitor household firearms. Though the weapon used has not been recovered, it’s a reminder of the importance of gun safety, especially with minors in the home. Secure storage can save lives and prevent tragedy.

3. Be vigilant, but remember: Victims are never to blame. While these notes serve as serious reminders of potential red flags, crimes can happen regardless of precautions. Compassion and support should always be extended to victims and their families.

Why this story matters

This story is more than just a true crime case -- it exposes underlying social issues like youth mental health, domestic tension, and access to violent tools. Community awareness and early intervention could help prevent similar tragedies in the future. It’s a call for closer family support systems and better safety plans at home.

As the Saratoga Springs community waits for answers, the hope remains that justice will be served and lessons will be learned.