Bethany Ball Death – Jack Joseph Ball, 23, from Farmington, has been charged with second-degree murder with intent and second-degree murder of an unborn child following the gruesome death of his 30-year-old sister, Bethany Ann Israel. This tragic incident occurred inside a home located on the 1700 block of Encina Path in Lakeville, Minnesota. The harrowing ordeal began on the night of May 23, when Israel’s mother, deeply concerned after not hearing from her daughter, decided to check on her.
How did the incident happen?
She discovered a significant amount of blood inside the house and immediately called 911 at around 11 p.m., fearing her daughter might be dead. Upon arrival, officers found a large pool of blood on the kitchen floor, a bloody saw, a hatchet, and several large, bloody knives. Further investigation revealed “several dismembered body parts” scattered throughout the home. Another bloody knife was found on the living room floor, indicating the brutal nature of the crime.
Israel’s mother informed the police that her daughter had gone to the house earlier in the evening to have dinner with her brother, Jack Joseph Ball. Her suspicions grew when she saw Ball leaving the house under suspicious circumstances. Law enforcement officers swiftly launched a search for Ball, who was later spotted on a Rosemount resident’s Ring camera. The footage showed him placing what appeared to be a body part on the front step of a house.
Ball was found in the backyard of a nearby residence, covered in blood with a self-inflicted knife wound across his throat. He was promptly taken to Regions Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment. During the search of the residence, authorities found several journals and documents allegedly belonging to Ball. The writings revealed his anger towards Israel for being pregnant, stating she was “no longer innocent,” which may provide insight into the motive behind this heinous act.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that Israel’s death was due to “complex homicidal violence” and ruled it a homicide. She was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. Given the severity of the charges, the judge set Ball’s bail at $2 million without conditions and $1 million with conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.
