A six-year-old boy in Meridian, Idaho, has been left orphaned following an apparent murder-suicide incident that claimed the lives of both his parents, police reported. The Meridian Police Department responded to a welfare check request at the home on October 20, where they discovered the bodies of Violeta Yeager, 37, and Richard Yeager, 39.
According to the Ada County Coroner's Office, Violeta, a nurse practitioner, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Richard Yeager was also found with a gunshot wound, which authorities have ruled a suicide. A motive for the incident remains unclear.
Violeta's sister, Kristin Jenson, confirmed the tragedy on a GoFundMe page established to support her nephew, Ty, and to help cover funeral expenses for Violeta. "There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing Violet this way," Jenson wrote. "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."
Jenson stated that while no amount of money can undo the tragedy, the fundraising aims to ease financial burdens and ensure Ty has the resources he needs for his future, including therapy and support. As of Saturday, Ty was reportedly in foster care.
Records indicate that Violeta and her family had moved to the Meridian area just over six months prior to the incident, with Violeta expressing happiness about their new community and the life they were building. In a Father's Day post in 2025, she had praised Richard, describing him as "the best dad of all," highlighting his role in teaching their son about the outdoors and space, his handy skills, and his humorous and fun-loving nature.
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.