A 23-year-old man is accused of murdering and dismembering his pregnant sister in Lakeville last week, according to Dakota County officials.
Late Thursday evening, Jack Joseph Ball of Lakeville faces two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of his sister, Bethany Israel, 30, of Bloomington, and her unborn child.
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“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and horrific—words can’t describe what our law enforcement partners encountered during the investigation,” Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena said. “My office will work hard to ensure that victims receive justice and will provide the necessary support for their families.”
The court set Ball’s bail at $2 million without conditions and $1 million with conditions. Once Ball receives a medical clearance, officials plan to transfer him to the Dakota County Jail. Ball will make his next court appearance in Hastings on June 10.
Second-degree murder carries a maximum of 40 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, Israel’s family was concerned that she had not come home after supper with her brother at a Lakeville property. So one of them drove to the house and saw Ball hastily leave the scene.
When the family member entered the home, they noticed a “significant amount of blood” and called the police. Officers who reacted discovered “bloody knives and several dismembered body parts” thought to be from Israel, according to the complaint.
Ball’s vehicle was located in Rosemount shortly after police issued an alert for it.
According to the complaint, as officers were hunting for Ball, a Rosemount resident noticed on their home security camera that a man had placed “what appeared to be a body part” on their front step. After a brief search, authorities found Ball in the backyard of an adjacent home.
According to the complaint, Ball had a neck wound that seemed to be self-inflicted. A local hospital received him for treatment.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner later determined that Israel’s death was caused by “complex homicidal violence.” Israel was confirmed to be 17–18 weeks pregnant.
