CALDWELL, Idaho — Authorities have identified the teenager found dead inside a Caldwell home on Monday as 18-year-old Hope "Onyx" Cornish.
The Canyon County Coroner’s Office said Cornish was found in a residence in the 1600 block of Blaine Street and pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound. Her family confirmed with Idaho News 6 on Wednesday that she preferred to go by Onyx.
Police said Onyx’s adoptive father, 51-year-old Delbert Cornish, was arrested in Mountain Home hours after the shooting. Officers tracked his vehicle using Automated License Plate Reader cameras and took him into custody without incident.
According to investigators, a teenage son of Cornish escaped the home and called 911 after a confrontation with his father. When officers cleared the residence, they found Onyx dead and recovered a firearm nearby.
Watch to learn more about the initial investigation:
“She was a great kid,” said Onyx's aunt, Debra Duran. “Eighteen is just too young to be taken.” A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family cover funeral expenses — donations can be made here.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking loss,” Canyon County Coroner Jennifer Crawford said in a press release.
Delbert Cornish, who has been charged with murder, as well as aggravated assault, in relation to Onyx's death, appeared in Canyon County court on Wednesday. His next court date is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 3 — he will be held without bond until then.
The case remains under investigation by the Caldwell Police Department. Idaho News 6 will continue to bring the latest updates as more information becomes available.