Dad Accused of Killing Daughter Because She Was Getting Bullied, Allegedly Wrapped Her in Pride Flag to ‘Honor’ Her

An Idaho man who authorities say confessed to killing his teenage daughter claims he draped her body in a pride flag to honor her memory.

Hope Cornish, 18, was found dead in a Caldwell, Idaho, home on Tuesday, Aug. 19, after officers responded to reports of a 51-year-old armed man inside, according to the Caldwell Police Department.

Police identified the suspect as Delbert Cornish.

The victim, initially unnamed in police statements, was later confirmed by the Canyon County Coroner’s Office as Hope, according to the Idaho Statesman, Idaho News 6 and KTVB. She was also known as “Onyx,” per her family’s GoFundMe page.

Delbert Cornish was taken into custody later that evening in Mountain Home, Idaho.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained and shared by Idaho News 6, Delbert allegedly admitted to killing Onyx and told authorities he had planned to kill his son and himself as well.

The affidavit, reviewed by PEOPLE, states that Delbert had been planning since last year to take his own life along with the lives of his three children. His plan was reportedly interrupted when his eldest child violated parole and returned to prison several months ago.

He told police he was frustrated by the way his children were bullied and “belittled” by his brother, with whom he, Onyx, and his teenage son lived. The affidavit claims Delbert alleged his brother would call the children names like “pedophile” and “loser.”

On Tuesday morning, Delbert reportedly approached Onyx’s door and was surprised when she opened it. He allegedly shot her in the head and watched her struggle for 20 minutes, according to the affidavit.

He then wrapped her body in a Pride flag, saying it was meant to honor her because he knew it would be meaningful to her, the affidavit states.

Onyx’s mother, Crystal Thompson, told News 19 she never imagined her children weren’t safe around Delbert.

Hope is being remembered for her vibrant personality.

“She was a fiery one. She was just very stylish, and she was kind and loving,” Thompson told News 19.

Delbert has been charged with murder and aggravated assault, according to online court records, which do not indicate plea information. PEOPLE was not able to immediately reach his attorney.