KCSO seeking public help in deaths of woman, children

May 5, 2017

Kootenai County Sheriff’s detectives are seeking assistance from the public on the deaths of a woman and her two children found deceased in Fernan Lake on Thursday, November 3, 2016. Kootenai County Sheriff’s detectives are continuing to investigate the deaths of Misty Phelps, 25, Coeur d’Alene and her two children, Tristan Phelps, age 1, and Riley Phelps, age 2. The three were discovered dead in their submerged car at the west Fernan Boat Launch just before 11 a.m. November 3, 2016, and were last seen in the area the night of November 2, 2016. Sheriff’s detectives are identifying the persons and vehicles that used the west Fernan Boat Launch and parking area the night of November 2, 2016, and are particularly interested in anyone that visited the launch between the hours of 8 and 10:30 p.m. Detectives are specifically seeking contact with the driver of a dark colored SUV seen leaving the area at 10:08 p.m. that night. The dark colored SUV is possibly a Ford Bronco, late 1980s to early 1990s model, with Idaho license plates. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with custom headlights and custom LED lighting near the headlights. The headlights and LED lighting are color-tinted, or color-shifting, and are distinctive in appearance. Please contact KCSO Detectives if you are the owner of this vehicle, or have seen this vehicle. Also, please call if you were at the west Fernan Boat Launch or park on November 2, 2016, between the hours of 8 and 10:30 p.m. if you have not already spoken with detectives. Those with information can contact Detective Sergeant Brad Maskell by email at bmaskell@kcgov.us or Detective Terry Campbell, tcampbell@kcgov.us, or call (208) 446-2237.