Minnesota Man Admits Killing and Dismembering Pregnant Sister Over Twisted 'Innocence' Belief
In a case that has shocked Minnesota communities, a 24-year-old man has admitted to the brutal murder and dismemberment of his pregnant sister, claiming she was "no longer innocent" due to her pregnancy. Jack Joseph Ball of Lakeville pleaded guilty last week to two counts of premeditated first-degree murder for killing 30-year-old Bethany Ann Israel and her unborn child.
Horrific Discovery in Family Home
The gruesome events unfolded on May 23, 2024, when Israel visited her brother's Lakeville home for dinner around 6 p.m. Family members grew concerned when they hadn't heard from her several hours later. Their mother drove to the property at approximately 11 p.m. to check on her daughter, witnessing Ball "tear out of the house" as she arrived.
Upon entering the home, she discovered extensive blood evidence and immediately contacted emergency services. Lakeville Police Department officers responding to the scene found what prosecutors described as a "bloody saw, hatchet, and large, bloody knives" alongside "several dismembered body parts" within the residence.
Chilling Evidence and Capture
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. Following a brief search, officers located Ball in the backyard of a neighbouring property with a self-inflicted neck injury.
He was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being taken into custody. Investigators later recovered handwritten journals in which Ball expressed anger toward his sister because she was "pregnant and 'no longer innocent.'" The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Israel was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant and determined her cause of death as "complex homicidal violence."
Legal Proceedings and Mental Illness Defense
Ball, who has claimed a defense of mental illness, was indicted in January 2025 on two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of intentional second-degree murder. Last week's guilty plea addressed counts one and three of the indictment—premeditated first-degree murder and premeditated first-degree murder of an unborn child.
Prosecutors have recommended a life sentence as part of the plea agreement. Under Minnesota law, defendants may claim they are not criminally responsible if mental illness prevented them from understanding their actions or knowing they were wrong at the time of the offense.
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."
Remembering the Victim
A GoFundMe campaign created by Israel's family describes her as a "cherished wife, daughter, sister, and an expectant mother" with a "radiant spirit and unwavering kindness." The tribute continues: "Her love for life, her family, and the friendships she nurtured are the legacies she leaves behind. As a beacon of warmth and generosity, Bethany's absence leaves a void that cannot be filled."
Ball remains incarcerated at the Dakota County Jail and is scheduled to return to court on May 21, where the State will litigate his mental illness defense. If convicted, he faces a mandatory life sentence under Minnesota law.
