LAKEVILLE, Minn. — A 23-year-old man is accused of killing and dismembering his pregnant sister in Lakeville last week, according to Dakota County officials.
Jack Joseph Ball of Lakeville faces two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his sister — identified by officials as 30-year-old Bethany Israel of Bloomington — and her unborn child last Thursday evening.
“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and horrific – words cannot describe what our law enforcement partners encountered during the investigation,” said Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena. “My office will work hard to ensure that the victims receive justice and will provide the necessary support to the victims’ families.”
Ball’s bail is set at $2 million without conditions and $1 million with conditions. Officials say when Ball is medically cleared, he will be transferred to the Dakota County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 10 in Hastings.
Second-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
The complaint describes a “deeply disturbing and gruesome” crime scene
According to the complaint, relatives of Israel were concerned that she had not returned home after having dinner with her brother at a Lakeville residence. So one of them drove to the home and watched Ball quickly leave the scene.
When the family member entered the home, they saw a “significant amount of blood” and called the police. Officers who responded found “bloody knives and several dismembered body parts” that they believed came from Israel, the complaint said.
Police say a warning was issued for Ball’s vehicle, which was located in Rosemount shortly afterward.
The complaint says that while officers were searching for Ball, a Rosemount resident observed on their home’s security camera a man placing “what appeared to be a body part” on the sidewalk of their home. After a brief search, Ball was found in the backyard of a neighboring home.
Ball suffered a wound to his neck that appeared to be self-inflicted, the complaint said. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has since ruled that Israel’s death was caused as a result of “complex homicidal violence.” Israel was confirmed to be between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, you can get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.
In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates nationwide, many of which offer free support and education programs.
