Community gathers to honor 8-year-old boy and his mother who died in Saratoga Springs incident
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- This photo, taken at a memorial event at Riverview Elementary School in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, April 5, 2025, shows a message written on a balloon paying tribute to Eli Painter, an 8-year-old who died in a shooting inside his home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
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- Jason Painter, in blue shirt, the father of Eli Painter, releases balloons into the air during a memorial balloon launch Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Riverview Elementary in Saratoga Springs to honor his son and the boy’s mother, Jessica Lyman, who both died in a shooting inside their home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
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- A memorial balloon launch was held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Riverview Elementary in Saratoga Springs to honor Eli Painter and Jessica Lyman, who died in a shooting inside their home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
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- A child displays a balloon with a message saying “You were my best friend” before a memorial balloon launch Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Riverview Elementary in Saratoga Springs to honor Eli Painter and Jessica Lyman, who died in a shooting inside their home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
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- A memorial balloon launch was held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Riverview Elementary in Saratoga Springs to honor Eli Painter and Jessica Lyman, who died in a shooting inside their home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
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- Children write messages on balloons before a memorial balloon launch Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Riverview Elementary in Saratoga Springs to honor Eli Painter and Jessica Lyman, who died in a shooting inside their home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
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- A memorial balloon launch was held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Riverview Elementary in Saratoga Springs to honor Eli Painter and Jessica Lyman, who died in a shooting inside their home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
A father spoke through pain Saturday afternoon remembering his 8-year-old son who was found dead inside of a Saratoga Springs home just over a week prior.
The tribute was given amid a sea of balloons outside of Riverview Elementary School in Saratoga Springs, where dozens gathered to honor Eli Painter and his mother Jessica Lyman, who also died as a result of an incident at their home late last month.
Saratoga Springs police said on March 28, Painter was discovered by his half sister lying next to his mother Jessica Lyman who was critically injured from an alleged shooting.
Lyman, 44, died three days later in the hospital, police said.
In the days since the tragedy, neighbors and members of the Saratoga Springs community and beyond have come together to support the families of the deceased mother and son.
In remembrance to celebrate both of their lives, a memorial balloon launch was held Saturday at Riverview Elementary, where Painter attended school.
Painter’s favorite colors were blue and purple, while his mother’s were Tiffany blue and pink, according to the Riverview Elementary PTA, which organized the event.
“We are very heartbroken at the loss of Jessica Lyman and her son Eli Painter, a treasured second grader at Riverview Elementary – Our thoughts and condolences are with their family,” the PTA said in a social media post.
Family of the mother and child spoke briefly before the crowd, reflecting on both of their lives.
“Eli was an incredible young man, and he was everything to me,” said Jason Painter, Eli’s father.
Byron Orton, Eli’s grandfather and Jessica’s father, highlighted the boy’s love for school, friends and his impact on those around him.
“He (Eli) talked about his classmates all the time. So thank you for all that you did today,” he said.
Orton also remembered his daughter’s passion for participating in special moments.
“If the shoe was on the other foot, she would’ve been here today,” Orton said.
As Lyman’s and Painter’s deaths will have long-lasting impacts on the lives of their family members and loved ones, they found solace in the support from the outpouring of love from the community and beyond.
Details about exactly what happened, including who authorities believe may be responsible for the alleged act, have yet to be revealed as Saratoga Springs police say their investigation continues.
Funeral services for both the mother and child will be held Tuesday, according to their obituaries.
