A chilling crime has shocked Lakeville, Minnesota, where 23-year-old Jack Joseph Ball allegedly killed and dismembered his pregnant sister, Bethany Ann Israel. The horrifying incident unfolded on May 23, 2024, when Israel’s mother reported her missing after she failed to return home from dinner with Ball.
According to Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena, Israel, 30, was approximately 17-18 weeks pregnant with her first child. “The allegations in this case are profoundly troubling and horrifying,” Keena said. “The scenes encountered by our law enforcement partners during the investigation defy description.”
The initial alarm was raised when Israel’s mother visited Ball’s home and found him leaving the area suspiciously. Inside the house, she discovered a substantial amount of blood and immediately called the police. Officers responding to the scene found dismembered body parts believed to be Israel’s, as well as a bloody saw, hatchet, and knives.
Further investigation revealed disturbing details captured on a Ring camera. Footage showed Ball dumping body parts on the front step and yard of a home in Rosemount, roughly 11 miles away from Ball’s residence. Ball was later found in a neighboring yard covered in blood from what appeared to be a self-inflicted knife wound to the neck. Despite his injuries, Ball is expected to survive. He will be transferred to the Dakota County Jail once medically cleared.
Journal entries discovered at Ball’s home provided chilling insights into his motives. He expressed anger over Israel’s pregnancy and described her as “no longer innocent,” suggesting potential premeditation. Assistant Dakota County Attorney Stacy St. George emphasized the gravity of the crime in court, citing his journal entries as evidence.
Israel was active in the local volleyball community, where she coached high school and club teams. “She had such a good way of connecting with the athletes, having grace and patience with them learning a new skill,” said Amy Gustafson, a fellow coach. “All her athletes knew they could approach her with anything.”
A GoFundMe page created to support Israel’s family has already raised over $40,000. The page describes Bethany as a cherished wife, daughter, sister, and expectant mother, as well as a beloved member of the volleyball community. Her radiant spirit and unwavering kindness impacted everyone fortunate enough to know her.
During a court appearance, Ball’s bail was set at $2 million without conditions and $1 million with conditions.
Rosemount Police Chief Mikael Dahlstrom noted previous interactions with Ball, including a mental health call in 2022. However, no mental health issues were listed in the criminal complaint.
As the legal process continues, the community of Lakeville is left grappling with the loss of a promising life cut short in such a brutal manner. The details of this case have sent shockwaves through the town, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence.
The next court appearance for Ball is scheduled for June 10, where the legal proceedings will continue to unfold.
Bethany Isael leaves behind her husband, Josh, her family, and many friends.