An Idaho man who allegedly confessed to killing his teen daughter claims he draped her body in a pride flag to honor her.
Hope Cornish, 18, was discovered dead in a Caldwell, Idaho, home on Tuesday, Aug. 19, by officers responding to reports of a 51-year-old armed man, according to a statement from the Caldwell Police Department.
Police identified the man as Delbert Cornish.
The victim, who was not named in the initial statement, was identified as Hope by the Canyon County Coroner’s Office, according to the Idaho Statesman, Idaho News 6, and KTVB. She was also known as “Onyx,” according to her family’s GoFundMe page.
Delbert was apprehended later that evening in nearby Mountain Home, Idaho, police said.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained and shared online by Idaho News 6, Delbert allegedly confessed to killing Onyx and stated that he intended to kill both his son and himself.
According to the affidavit, Delbert allegedly plotted to kill himself and his three children last year, but his plan was foiled when his eldest child violated parole and was returned to prison a few months ago.
He told police that he was tired of his children being bullied and “belittled” by his brother, with whom he, Onyx, and their teen son lived. He also claimed that his brother would call the children names like “pedophile” and “loser,” according to the affidavit.
According to the affidavit, Delbert approached Onyx’s door on Tuesday morning and was taken aback when she opened it unexpectedly. He allegedly shot her in the head and waited 20 minutes as she gasped for air.
He then wrapped her in a Pride flag as a “honor” because he knew it would be very meaningful for her, according to the affidavit.
According to News 19, Onyx’s mother, Crystal Thompson, says she never imagined they wouldn’t be physically safe around Delbert.
Onyx is remembered for her lively spirit.
“She was a fiery person. Thompson told News 19 that she was simply very stylish, as well as kind and loving.
Delbert has been charged with murder and aggravated assault, according to online court records that do not indicate a plea. PEOPLE could not immediately reach his attorney.
