Tragedy struck in Minnesota on May 23, 2024, when a pregnant woman named Bethany Israel failed to return home after having dinner with her brother, Jack. Bethany, who was only between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant, was found dead along with her unborn baby in a Lakeville residence.
Bethany, a Saint Paul resident, worked at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and was described as a kind and helpful person by her friends and family. Her close friend, Kylie Contreras, mentioned that Bethany always had a smile on her face and could cheer up anyone having a bad day. Another friend, Jenny Rosenlund, said that Bethany was a precious soul who thought the best of everybody.
Following the gruesome discovery of Bethany’s body in a bloody scene at the Lakeville residence, her brother, Jack Joseph Ball, was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, including the death of Bethany’s unborn child. Ball was found with an alleged self-inflicted neck injury in a neighbor’s backyard and taken to the hospital before being arrested.
The Dakota County Attorney, Kathy Keena, expressed the disturbing and horrific nature of the allegations in the case and assured that the victims would receive justice. Ball appeared in court via video conference from the hospital, and his bail was set at $2 million without conditions and $1 million with conditions.
