Meridian nurse killed in apparent murder-suicide had a young son. Family asks for help

MERIDIAN (Idaho Statesman) — The family of a woman who died in an apparent murder-suicide has launched a fundraiser for her son.

Preliminary evidence indicates that Violeta Yeager, 37, was killed by her husband, Richard Yeager, 39, in their Meridian home on North Christen Avenue at about 6 p.m. Oct. 20, the Boise Police Department said in a news release.

The couple is survived by their young son, Ty, according to Kristin Jenson, Violeta’s sister.

Jenson launched a GoFundMe to raise money to cover funeral expenses and provide for Ty. GoFundMe told the Idaho Statesman that the fundraiser is verified.

“There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing Violet this way,” Jenson wrote. “Our family is grieving an unimaginable loss while trying to navigate the many challenges that come with such a sudden tragedy. Above all else, our hearts are with Ty, who deserves to feel safe, loved, and supported as he begins a new chapter of his life.”

The GoFundMe had raised more than $74,000 as of Wednesday. The money raised for Ty will go toward legal fees related to Ty’s custody, relocation costs, counseling, everyday necessities and “long-term well-being as we work to give him the stability and security he needs,” Jenson wrote.

“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,” Jenson continued.

Officers responded to the Meridian home after someone requested a welfare check regarding a “possible domestic violence incident,” police said. Inside, they found both Yeagers’ bodies.

Violeta, a nurse practitioner, was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshots to her chest and abdomen, according to the Ada County Coroner’s Office.

The coroner ruled Richard Yeager’s death a suicide.