Jessica Chandler, a 28-year-old mother from Johnson City, Tennessee, has been charged with smothering her two children: 1-year-old Eli and 4-year-old Vista.
On October 29, 2024, police responded to a distress call at Chandler’s residence on Omaha Lane. The call was made by the children’s father, who discovered them unresponsive after returning home from work.
“It’s a scene that no parent should ever have to witness,” said Captain Mike Adams of the Johnson City Police Department. “The father arrived home to find his children unresponsive. He immediately called 911, and emergency services rushed to the scene.”
Chandler was also present at the scene, with self-inflicted cuts on her arms and legs, indicating a possible suicide attempt. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Jessica Chandler faces multiple serious charges related to the deaths of her children:
Two counts of first-degree murder
Two counts of first-degree felony murder
Two counts of aggravated child abuse
Two counts of aggravated assault on a first responder
During a preliminary hearing on January 7, 2025, it was revealed that Chandler had left three handwritten notes implicating herself in the murders and expressing feelings of inadequacy in protecting her children.
“It’s clear that Jessica Chandler left behind a trail of evidence pointing to her involvement in these tragic events,” said Captain Adams. “However, understanding the full extent of her mental state at the time remains uncertain.”
Investigators previously suspected poison in the children’s deaths. Empty bottles of Tylenol, melatonin, and NyQuil were found near Chandler in the bathtub, leading authorities to believe these substances might have played a role.
However, further investigation revealed that Chandler allegedly used a Lilo & Stitch blanket to smother her 4-year-old daughter in bed and admitted to smothering Eli in the same manner. The method was reportedly so effective that it left little physical evidence of trauma.
“She pointed out on the property list that she used a Lilo & Stitch blanket to first suffocate Vista in her bed,” testified Michael Fowler, a Johnson City Police Department Criminal Investigator, in court.
An autopsy confirmed the children died from asphyxiation by smothering.
The judge determined there was sufficient evidence to present the case to a grand jury, as reported by WJHL. Chandler remains in the Washington County Jail on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 31.
