Background: The Bonner County Sheriff”s Office in Sandpoint, Idaho (Google Maps). Inset: Jeremiah Kiley (Bonner County Sheriff’s Office).

The tragic events unfolded at the home of 69-year-old Joseph Reyes. Authorities were alerted when Kiley reportedly made a 911 call to report his grandfather’s erratic behavior, describing him as “acting crazy.” When police arrived at the residence, they discovered Reyes deceased, an outcome that Kiley has attributed to his attempt to end the older man’s “suffering.”

Initially, Kiley claimed that he had acted in self-defense. According to statements made to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, he recounted an incident the night before where Reyes, allegedly undergoing a “schizophrenic episode,” pointed a gun at him. Kiley expressed fears that his grandfather might access more firearms hidden in the home they shared.

In a startling admission, Kiley told law enforcement that he had used a hatchet to strike his grandfather in the head. This act, he reportedly explained, was not solely for self-preservation but also an attempt to alleviate what he perceived as Reyes’ suffering. The timeline of events remains unclear, especially the reasons behind Kiley’s decision to delay reporting the incident until the following day.

While Kiley initially claimed that he acted in self-defense, he also allegedly told police that he struck Reyes with the hatchet to “stop his suffering.” Details were not provided about why Kiley waited until the next day to report the alleged incident.

Police said that while they questioned Kiley, his demeanor ranged from calm to aggressive. The case is still being investigated, but the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office stated that the alleged incident was isolated and there was no further danger to the public.

Kiley was arrested without incident and booked into the Bonner County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder. A judge later set his bail at $1 million, and he remains in custody. His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 21.