Idaho – In a deeply disturbing case in Idaho, a 42-year-old man, identified as Francisco T. R., has been found guilty of first-degree murder after he fatally shot his wife, identified as Reyna Q., in the head when she told him she wanted a divorce. Francisco, who had been living with his Reyna in their home, was convicted by a jury last week after a trial that exposed a deeply disturbing crime rooted in domestic violence and manipulation.
According to court records and statements made during the trial, the murder occurred on September 3, 2023. Prosecutors said Francisco became enraged after learning that Reyna intended to seek a divorce. As she was getting ready to spend the evening out with friends, he shot her in the head inside their home. Rather than calling for help, he attempted to set the scene as if she killed herself and then manipulated their daughter into discovering her mother’s lifeless body.
In the hours following the shooting, Francisco’s behavior was captured on surveillance footage and later presented to the jury. Instead of calling 911 or attempting to help his wife, video showed him stepping outside the home and smoking a cigarette, displaying what prosecutors described as an “odd demeanor.” Eventually, he coerced his daughter into entering the home and discovering the horrific scene. Authorities have not disclosed the daughter’s age but stated that she was visibly traumatized and deeply impacted by the incident.
Police officers were dispatched to the residence after a call was made reporting the discovery of Reyna’s body. Investigators immediately suspected foul play, especially due to the inconsistencies in Francisco’s account and the positioning of the body. Forensic evidence later confirmed the shooting could not have been self-inflicted, leading to his arrest and formal charges of first-degree murder.
After a jury trial filled with emotional testimony and damning forensic details, Francisco was found guilty of murdering his wife in cold blood. The verdict came with a recommendation for the maximum penalty under Idaho law. Francisco is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8 at 9 a.m. He faces a mandatory life sentence in an Idaho correctional facility.
Prosecuting Attorney C. Boyd expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between law enforcement and his prosecution team. “I am so proud of our prosecution team, and so thankful to our law enforcement partners at the police department,” he said. “Domestic violence is a tragic and persistent problem in our country, and many of these homicides are hidden by the perpetrators. This conviction sends a strong message to potential perpetrators: you will not get away with it.”
“This was not a crime of passion or a moment of rage — it was calculated and cold,” said Deputy County Prosecutor S. Morse during her closing argument. “He earned the verdict you are about to deliver when he decided Reyna’s life was expendable. He earned it when he jammed the gun into her head. He earned it with his utter disregard for life.”
As the community reels from the details revealed in court, Reyna’s death highlights the dangers many victims of domestic abuse face — especially when attempting to leave a toxic relationship. Authorities emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking help before tensions reach fatal levels. The case stands as a grim reminder that domestic violence can escalate quickly and that early intervention and support systems are essential in saving lives.
