In a tragic and chilling case, a Tennessee mother has been accused of using a “Lilo & Stitch” blanket to suffocate her one-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. Jessica Chandler, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the deaths of her children, Vista and Eli Chandler.
Police were called to Chandler’s home on Omaha Lane in Johnson City on Oct. 29 after the children’s father found them unresponsive. Officer Gary Price testified in court that the father was desperately trying to give the children CPR in the front yard when authorities arrived. Inside the home, Chandler was found in a bathtub with cuts on her arms.
Price also noted the discovery of razor blades near the bathtub. Initially, police suspected that the children might have been poisoned, as no visible injuries were found on their bodies. However, Chandler allegedly later confessed to using his children’s “Lilo & Stitch” blanket to suffocate them. WCYB reported.
According Johnson City Police Department Investigator Michael Fowler, Chandler admitted that he first smothered his daughter Vista in her bed before doing the same to his son Eli. The children were transported to a hospital but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Autopsies confirmed the cause of death was “asphyxiation due to asphyxiation.”
Investigators also found three notes taped to cabinets near the front door of the home. Fowler testified that the notes revealed Chandler’s intention to kill his children and take his own life. During questioning, Chandler allegedly cited multiple reasons for his actions, including struggles with his past and an inability to protect his children following an incident involving his father.
“She explained a lot about her past life experiences,” Fowler said, according to WJHL. “There were several contributions.” An obituary for Vista and Eli described them as “perfect in every way.” He shared candid memories of the brothers: Vista loved riding her electric bike, playing in her sandbox and picking flowers for others.
Eli, who had just started walking, loved playing with trucks, eating, and laughing with his sister. “They were inseparable,” the obituary said. Chandler’s case has been turned over to a grand jury and his bond has been set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 31 during the next session of the Washington County Grand Jury.