Mother of 8-year-old boy shot and killed in Saratoga Springs has also died

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The mother of an 8-year-old boy who was shot and killed in their Saratoga Springs townhome last week has also died of her injuries.

Jessica Lyman, 44, and her son Eli Painter were both involved in an apparent shooting at a Saratoga Springs townhome on Friday. Eli died from his injuries, and Lyman was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Lyman's 15-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter were in the house at 1244 N. Willowbrook Lane, police said, with the girl making the initial call to police after finding her mother and brother unconscious.

Further details about the shooting and how the two were wounded have not been released, but investigators said Thursday they are making progress.

Saratoga Springs officials confirmed Lyman died Monday in the hospital.

"Jessica's life was defined by her deep love for her family, her unwavering dedication to her career and her generous spirit," her obituary states. "She worked tirelessly to create a home filled with love, laughter and warmth, ensuring they always felt supported and cherished."

Lyman will be remembered for her kindness, resilience and the impact she had on those around her, the obituary continues.

"Her big, beautiful blue eyes were as unforgettable as her generous heart," the obituary says.

Eli was an eager learner who loved math, thrived on curiosity and creativity, and recently discovered a love of pickleball, his obituary says. He loved cooking dinner with his mom, cherished his family and had a kind heart.

"Though his time with us was far too short, Eli filled every moment with boundless energy, laughter and love," the obituary says. "He was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. His adventurous spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and tender heart left an unforgettable mark on his family and friends."

Neighbors told KSL-TV that a vigil was held Tuesday for the woman and her son.

"There was some crying, there were lots of laughs, you know, good memories told about the family," neighbor Madeline Duke said. "It's very sad to think about a child passing away, and then just having that mom have to go through what she did, and then pass away herself. It's very sad, especially from the standpoint of a parent."

Although police said there was no danger to the public after responding to the scene Friday, neighbors said they are uneasy about what has happened since little information has been given in the days since.

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