Detectives seek public's help in deaths of mother, 2 children

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office seeks assistance from the public on the recent deaths of a woman and her two children found deceased in Fernan Lake.

KCSO detectives are continuing to investigate the recent deaths of Misty Phelps, 25, Coeur d’Alene, and her two children, Tristan, 1, and Riley, 2. The three were discovered deceased in their submerged car at the west Fernan Boat Launch just before 11 a.m. on Nov. 3. Preliminary autopsy reports indicate drowning as the cause of death on all three, but toxicology reports will not be available for several more weeks.

Detectives are asking for anyone that may have seen or had contact with Phelps and her two children, or her silver 2006, Ford Fusion from around 4 p.m. Nov. 2 to the time she was discovered to please contact them.

The investigation is still ongoing and further information will be released when it becomes available. Those with information can contact Detective Sgt. Brad Maskell by email: bmaskell@kcgov.us or Detective Terry Campbell tcampbell@kcgov.us, or contact by telephone at (208) 446-1358.