Lakeville Man Indicted on First-Degree Murder Charges in Sister's Death
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA – A Lakeville man has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder following the gruesome death of his sister and her unborn child, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Jack Joseph Ball, 23, faces two counts of premeditated first-degree murder and two counts of intentional second-degree murder in connection with the killing of his sister, 30-year-old Bethany Ann Israel and her unborn child.
According to court documents, the tragic events unfolded on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Israel had gone to Ball’s residence in Lakeville for dinner around 6 p.m. When family members had not heard from her by late evening, concerns began to rise. At approximately 11 p.m., Israel and Ball’s mother drove to the home to check on her daughter. Upon arrival, she reportedly witnessed Ball speeding away from the residence.
Inside the home, she discovered a horrifying scene. A significant amount of blood was present, prompting her to immediately call 911. Officers from the Lakeville Police Department arrived and uncovered further evidence of violence, including several bloodied tools and knives, as well as dismembered body parts.
While officers were investigating the Lakeville home, a 911 call was received from a resident in nearby Rosemount, Minnesota. The caller reported seeing a man on their home security camera leaving what appeared to be a body part on their front step. Authorities conducted a swift search and located Ball in the backyard of a neighboring home. He had sustained a self-inflicted neck injury and was transported to a hospital for treatment before being taken into custody.
Provided by Dakota County Jail
Investigation and Charges
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that Israel’s cause of death was due to complex homicidal violence. They also determined that she was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has charged Ball with premeditated first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if convicted. He also faces charges of intentional second-degree murder. Ball remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail.
Next Steps
Ball’s next court hearing is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Hastings, Minnesota. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brutality of the crime and its impact on the community. We will continue to provide further updates throughout the court case.
Our Additional Stories on this Incident: Lakeville Man Charged with Murder of His Sister and Her Unborn Child, Lakeville Police Investigating Suspected Homicide
In loving memory of Bethany Israel Provide by GoFundMe
A GoFundMe was set up to help support the family:
In loving memory of Bethany Israel
Written by: Will Wight
