A little boy in Idaho has been left orphaned after his father is believed to have fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself, police say.
Violeta Yeager, 37, was killed by her husband Richard Yeager, 39, at their home in Meridian at around 6pm on October 20, according to the Meridian Police Department.
The tragedy left the couple's six-year-old son Ty orphaned, according to Violeta's sister Kristin Jenson.
'There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing Violet this way,' her heartbroken sister wrote on a GoFundMe for Ty and to help put Violeta to rest.
'Our family is heartbroken to share the devastating loss of my sister, Violet, who tragically lost her life in an act of domestic violence involving her husband. In the same heartbreaking incident, Ty's father also passed away, leaving Ty to face a future without either of his parents.'
Officers with the MPD responded to the couple's home after a welfare check was requested over a 'possible domestic violence incident,' police said, the Idaho Statesman reported.
Both of the couple's bodies were found in the home, with Violeta, a nurse practitioner, having suffered gunshot wounds to her chest and abdomen, the Ada County Coroner's Office told the outlet.
Richard was also discovered in the home having suffered a gunshot wound, which was ruled as a suicide, according to the Statesman.
Violeta Yeager, 37, was killed by her husband Richard Yeager, 39, at their home in Meridian at around 6pm on October 20, leaving their six-year-old son Ty orphaned, according to Violeta's sister Kristin Jenson
Both of the couple's bodies were found in the home, with Violeta, a nurse practitioner, having suffered gunshot wounds to her chest and abdomen
Richard was also discovered in the home having suffered a gunshot wound, which was ruled as a suicide
The tragedy left young Ty without either of his parents, as Jenson added: 'No amount of money can undo this tragedy or replace the parents Ty has lost.'
'But with the support of our family, friends, and community, we hope to ease some of the financial burdens during this incredibly difficult time and ensure that Ty has every resource possible to move forward,' she said.
According to Jenson's Facebook, Ty was still in foster care on Saturday.
'In loving memory of my sister in law Violet. Please re-share or donate if you can. We are currently trying to get our amazing nephew out of foster care. It is a process but after that is when the real work will begin,' she said.
'He's going to need therapy, lots of love and help in ensuring he has the best possible future. Anything helps. Also want to thank everyone who's already donated and re shared. From strangers to family. There are truly still kind hearted people in this world and it shows.'
According to Violeta's Facebook, she and their family had moved to the area just over six months ago as she said they were 'thriving' in their new home.
'We somehow picked the absolute best neighborhood, made friends with our neighbors who quickly became our actual friends, and found the kind of community we didn't even realize we were missing. Watching our little life fall into place here has been pretty special,' she wrote.
'We are thriving in ways I don't think we even expected. And it's not just the big things- it's all the little things that have come with this move. New routines, spontaneous nights with neighbors, kids playing together, familiar faces, new favorite places, and a community that truly feels like home.
The tragedy left young Ty without both of his parents, as Jenson said: 'No amount of money can undo this tragedy or replace the parents Ty has lost'
According to Violeta's Facebook, she and their family had moved to the area just over six months ago as she said they were 'thriving' in their new home
On Father's Day in 2025, Violeta had gushed over her husband and described him as 'the best dad of all'
'Six months in, and we couldn't be happier with the life we're building here. So grateful we took the leap.'
On Father's Day in 2025, Violeta had gushed over her husband and described him as 'the best dad of all.'
'[He] loves to teach Ty about all things outdoorsy and space related, makes and fixes anything I request, is hilarious and of course the director of fun! He's my best friend and I'm so grateful he's ours,' she wrote at the time.
'We spent Father's day in one of our favorite places and got to be on the water and soak up the sun in Coronado! We love you so much!!!'
A motive behind the killing remains unclear.
The Daily Mail reached out to the Meridian Police Department for comment.
Anyone in need of help or who believes they may be in a violent relationship is encouraged to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or online at www.thehotline.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Source link
