Minnesota Man Admits Murdering Pregnant Sister in Disturbing Dismemberment Case
A 24-year-old Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of his pregnant sister and her unborn child, in a case that has shocked the local community with its horrific details. Jack Joseph Ball of Lakeville admitted to killing 30-year-old Bethany Ann Israel before dismembering her body and scattering pieces of her remains.
Chilling Discovery by Mother Leads to Investigation
The depraved crime came to light on the night of May 23, 2024, when the siblings' mother called police after becoming concerned about her daughter's whereabouts. Bethany had reportedly gone to have dinner with her brother earlier that evening, but family members grew worried when they had not heard from her several hours later.
Their mother drove to her son's residence to check on the siblings, where she witnessed Ball "tear out of the house," according to prosecutors. Upon entering the property, she discovered a significant amount of blood and immediately contacted emergency services.
Gruesome Scene Uncovered by Police
Officers responding to the scene in Minnesota found blood on the kitchen floor under the sink and on the sink cabinets. They also discovered what court documents describe as a "bloody saw, hatchet, and large, bloody knives" at the property.
As investigators continued through the house, they found a knife on the living room floor near the staircase leading to the second floor. Most disturbingly, they discovered several dismembered body parts within the residence.
Body Parts Found on Neighbour's Porch
Shortly after the initial discovery, police received another 911 call from a Rosemount resident who reported seeing a man on their home security camera placing what appeared to be a body part on their front step. This led to a brief search of the area, during which Ball was located in the backyard of a neighbouring home.
The suspect had sustained a self-inflicted injury to his neck and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Medical examination later determined that Bethany was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant at the time of her murder.
Disturbing Diary Entries Reveal Possible Motive
Investigators found several journals in Ball's handwriting that appear to reveal his motive for the horrific crime. According to prosecutors, excerpts from these diaries show Ball expressed anger toward his sister because she was "pregnant and 'no longer innocent.'"
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena stated: "The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and horrific - words can't describe what our law enforcement partners encountered during the investigation. My office will work hard to ensure the victims receive justice and will provide the necessary support for the victims' family."
Family Remembers Victim as Cherished Relative
Bethany's family remembered her in a GoFundMe campaign as "a cherished wife, daughter, sister, and an expectant mother." They described her as having a "radiant spirit and unwavering kindness" that touched all who knew her.
"Her love for life, her family, and the friendships she nurtured are the legacies she leaves behind," her loved ones said. "As a beacon of warmth and generosity, Bethany's absence leaves a void that cannot be filled."
Legal Proceedings and Mental Illness Defense
In January 2025, Ball was indicted on two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of intentional second-degree murder. He has since pleaded guilty to counts one and three of the indictment - premeditated first-degree murder and premeditated first-degree murder of an unborn child.
Prosecutors have recommended that Ball serve a life sentence as part of the plea deal. However, the defendant has claimed a defense of mental illness, arguing that his condition prevented him from understanding what he was doing or knowing it was wrong at the time of the offense.
Minnesota law allows defendants to claim they are not criminally responsible under such circumstances. Ball, currently being held at the Dakota County Jail, is scheduled to return to court on May 21, where the State will litigate his mental illness defense. If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
