Jason Karels: Man who told wife 'if I can't have them neither can you' admits to killing his 3 children

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WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS: 36-year-old Jason Karels pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the chilling act of drowning his three young children - 5-year-old Bryant, 3-year-old Cassidy, and 2-year-old Gideon on June 13, 2022.

In defense of the callous act, the suspect left a chilling note to his estranged wife, writing, "If I can’t have them, neither can you."

What led to Jason Karels' arrest?

Jason Karels' arrest occurred after a police chase that culminated in a crash at an Interstate 80 bridge in Joliet. Following the crash, the 36-year-old, who was briefly hospitalized, confessed to first responders that he was responsible for his children's deaths and had attempted to take his own life.

Blood evidence found in the house revealed the extent of his self-inflicted injuries.

What are the charges against Jason Karels?

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated that Jason, of Round Lake Beach, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and will face a sentence of natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections with no possibility of parole, coupled with a claim of mental illness.

The prosecutor's statement indicated that the defendant's actions were premeditated, with officers discovering a chilling note addressed to his estranged wife at the scene saying, “If I can’t have them neither can you."

Community mourns the callous murders

Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart expressed the profound impact of the case on the Round Lake Beach community and beyond, stating, “This case has devasted the Round Lake Beach community and beyond. We hope that today’s resolution provides some measure of closure, and we will continue to provide support to the family.”

At the time of the tragic incident, the parents, Jason and his estranged wife, shared custody of the children but did not reside together. As the legal process unfolds, a pre-sentence investigation has been ordered for the suspect, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2024.