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IDAHO FALLS — Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center has issued a statement about an Idaho man who was admitted and released Thursday before allegedly killing his pregnant wife and kidnapping his 10-month-old son, who was later found dead.
Best, 48, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his wife, Kali Randall, and her unborn child. Police say Best also kidnapped their baby, Zeke Best. The 10-month-old also died, and the cause of his death has not been released.
"We are heartbroken by the tragedy that has rocked our community in the recent days, and we join many in our area in extending our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of Kali and Zeke," Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center officials said in the statement Tuesday.
Federal privacy laws prohibit the hospital from discussing a patient's diagnosis or treatment, but the medical center confirmed Friday that Best was seen by doctors and released after being transported by ambulance from the Swan Valley General Store.
Video shows a naked Best slouching on the store's counter next to the cash register and grabbing a cigarette before being escorted outside the building.
It's unknown how long Best was at the medical center and what type of treatment he received, but court documents say Best allegedly shot and killed Randall around 11:50 p.m. Thursday at their Victor home.
He was later found east of Idaho Falls, "naked and making odd statements," law enforcement said. The infant's body was also found nearby.
"Like all hospitals, we follow specific standards of care when we assess and treat individuals, including those with behavioral health concerns," the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center statement says. "Idaho law limits law enforcement, hospitals, and health care providers from placing individuals on a protective custody hold unless specific clinical criteria (are) met. When these factors are not present or apparent at the time of the care process, hospitals cannot legally hold a patient against their or their family's wishes."
Best was not wearing a shirt when he appeared in court via Zoom on Monday. He was fidgety, continually ran his hands through his hair, scratched his face and cried at times. Judge Jason Walker ordered a mental competency evaluation for Best, which was requested by the defense. The prosecution did not object.
