Issue 32, December 19, 2023

Father Kills His 3 Kids: "If I can't have them, neither can you."

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

In a notorious true crime case, which father orchestrated a chilling plot that resulted in the tragic death of his pregnant wife and unborn child?
^{Answer at the bottom of the newsletter}

What’s Happening Now

Jason Karels Pleads Guilty to Murders of Three Children During Custodial Visit.

Jason Karels, an Illinois man, has pleaded guilty to murdering his three children during a custodial visit. The 36-year-old pleaded guilty but mentally ill to three counts of first-degree murder.

Karels drowned his children, Bryant, Cassidy, and Gideon, ages 5, 3, and 2, respectively, at his Round Lake Beach, Ill., home on June 13, 2022.

He left a note stating, "If I can't have them, neither can you." Following the incident, Karels was arrested after a pursuit by Illinois State troopers.
He made statements to police officers about his role in the triple homicide. Karels' estranged wife, Debra Karels, discovered the bodies when she went to pick up the children after the weekend visit.

A sentencing hearing will take place on February 16, 2024.

Facts About Fathers That Kill

It is estimated that cases of fathers killing their own children are relatively rare compared to cases involving other perpetrators. Research suggests that in most cases, about 75-80% of child homicides are committed by someone other than the child's biological father.
Some studies indicate that men who kill their children often have a history of mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or intimate partner violence. These factors can contribute to the distressing act of filicide (the killing of one's own child).
Contrary to common stereotypes, filicides committed by men are not always premeditated. In some cases, it may be a result of heightened emotions, conflicts, or unintended consequences during a moment of severe stress or psychological distress. Nonetheless, each case is unique and requires careful examination to understand the underlying factors and circumstances.

🔒 Safety Tip of the Day: Ensure your safety comes first when leaving a violent partner.

Seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or a local domestic violence hotline.

Secure important documents (identification, bank statements, etc.), gather evidence if possible, and have a plan in place. Consider obtaining a restraining order, change locks, install security systems, and inform trusted individuals about your situation. Avoid contact with the abuser, block their number, and protect your online presence. Build a support network, seek professional help, and remember to prioritize self-care during this challenging transition.

Your safety matters most.

Cold Case Highlights

Two Murder Trials Conclude: Stanley Briggs Jr. Found Guilty in 1998 Cold Case Death of Shannon Harris, and Brandt Bennett Convicted of Manslaughter in Separate Case.

In the first week of December, two murder trials reached their conclusions.

Stanley Briggs Jr. was found guilty of second-degree murder on December 7th for the 1998 cold case death of Shannon Harris. Post-trial motions and sentencing for Briggs will take place on Wednesday.
On December 8th, Brandt Bennett was charged with second-degree murder but was found guilty of manslaughter in Judge David Arceneaux's courtroom. Post-trial motions for Bennett are scheduled for January 10, 2024.

BRIGGS
Shannon Harris went missing on October 10, 1998, after visiting his mother's house in Houma. His mother reported him missing, and the investigation continued for years. In 2001 and 2002, the Houma Police Department received tips from an inmate who claimed to have helped dispose of Harris' body after he was allegedly killed by Stanley Briggs. Acting on this new lead, the police and the District Attorney's office excavated property on Hollywood Road in 2002, but no body was found at that time.
In 2020, the Houma Police Department responded to a disturbance involving Stanley Briggs, who was running naked after consuming drugs. During this incident, Briggs confessed to officers that he had killed Harris years ago. Body cameras recorded his statement. Detectives conducted further interviews with Briggs, and he admitted to the murder and burying Harris.
Subsequently, human bones were discovered at Hollywood Road with Briggs' assistance, and they were positively identified as belonging to Shannon Harris by Louisiana State University Forensic Anthropology Criminal and Computer Enhancement Services lab.

BENNETT
In a separate case, Brandt Bennett was involved in the murder of Larry Mayo on September 26, 2022. Witnesses saw Bennett arrive at a home wearing a ski mask and carrying a gun. Bennett ordered Mayo to leave, and when Mayo stood up and walked toward the homeowner in a non-threatening manner, Bennett shot him in the chest and then in the back after he fell to the floor. Bennett fled the scene and was aided by residents Niana Lynn Hayes and Rasheem Robertson, who were charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder.

Michigan Man Arrested in 1980 Cold Case Murder with Help from DNA Advances and Forensic Genetic Genecology

Douglas Laming, a 70-year-old man from Fort Gratiot, Michigan, has been arrested in connection with the 1980 murder of Karen Umphrey. Umphrey's body was discovered in the State Game Area in Beards Hills on November 2, 1980.

The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Michigan State Police and Othram, a forensic genetic genecology company, successfully solved the 43-year-old murder case. Utilizing advancements in DNA and forensic genetic genecology, investigators were able to identify Laming as a suspect. They then interviewed individuals who had knowledge of Laming and Umphrey at the time of the crime, gathering crucial information and establishing connections.

Laming has been arraigned on a felony murder charge.

🔍^{Trivia Answer}

Scott Peterson