Father Pleads Guilty to Killing Three Children in Disturbing Act of Vengeance

Jason Karels, a man from Round Lake Beach, Illinois, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to three counts of first-degree murder for killing his three young children. Karels admitted to drowning his 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and 2-year-old children, leaving a note for his estranged wife saying, "If I can't have them neither can you." He will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The incident has deeply affected the community, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2024.