23-year-old Jack Joseph Ball of Farmington, Minnesota, was charged with two counts of murder for killing his pregnant sister, 30-year-old Bethany Israel, and her unborn child, who was about 18 weeks. Ball was arrested after dumping dismembered body parts on a neighbor’s doorstep and was found with blood all over himself, as well as a bloody saw, hatchet, and knives in his home. Authorities also discovered journals in which Ball expressed anger towards his sister for being pregnant and no longer innocent.
The horrific crime was discovered after Israel’s mother became worried when her daughter did not return home and raised the alarm. Ball had dinner with his sister earlier that evening before the incident occurred. When authorities arrived at Ball’s home, they found a large pool of blood in the kitchen along with various tools that were likely used to dismember Israel. Ball fled the scene but was ultimately caught after a neighbor reported him dumping body parts on their front steps.
Ball made his first court appearance where his bail was set at $2 million without conditions and $1 million with conditions. Once he is medically cleared, he will be transferred to the Dakota County Jail awaiting his next court hearing on June 10. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Israel’s husband, Jack, and her family, raising over $28,000 as of Wednesday afternoon. The page describes Bethany as having a radiant spirit and unwavering kindness that touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love for life, family, and friendships.
Prosecutors described the allegations in the case as deeply disturbing and horrific, emphasizing the brutality of the crime. Investigators found evidence of Ball’s anger towards his sister’s pregnancy and perceived loss of innocence in his writings. The details of the crime, including the dismemberment of Israel’s body and the dumping of body parts, shocked law enforcement officials involved in the investigation. The brutality and violence of the murder have left the community in shock and disbelief at the senseless loss of Bethany’s life and her unborn child.
The mother’s discovery of the crime and subsequent search for her daughter raised concerns among family members and neighbors in the community. Ball’s attempt to dispose of the body parts in a neighbor’s yard led to his apprehension and arrest by law enforcement. The scene of the crime, including the bloody tools and evidence of violence in Ball’s home, painted a grim picture of the events that transpired on that tragic evening. The community has rallied around Israel’s family, offering support and condolences in the wake of the devastating loss.
As Ball awaits his next court hearing and faces the legal consequences of his actions, the community has come together to support Israel’s loved ones in their time of grief. The GoFundMe page set up to help Israel’s family reflects the outpouring of support and love for Bethany and her memory. The tragic loss of a young woman and her unborn child has left a lasting impact on those who knew her, and the community has united in mourning the senseless violence that took her life. The fundraiser page serves as a tribute to Bethany’s life and the legacy of love, kindness, and friendships she leaves behind.
