LAKEVILLE, MN – A Lakeville man has pleaded guilty to killing his pregnant sister, then dismembering her body and dispersing her remains at several locations, authorities said. The disturbing crime has sent shockwaves through the south metro community, leaving residents grappling to understand the motive behind the tragedy.

Jack Joseph Ball, 24, admitted last week to the premeditated first-degree murders of his 30-year-old sister, Bethany Ann Israel, and her unborn child. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors said they would seek a life sentence. Ball also faced second-degree charges, which were dismissed following his plea.

According to investigators, Ball asserted a mental illness defense prior to entering his guilty plea. He was indicted earlier this year by a Dakota County grand jury. Details uncovered during the investigation revealed a gruesome scene inside Ball’s home in Lakeville, about 23 miles south of Minneapolis. Searchers found bloodied tools, large knives, and multiple dismembered body parts spread around the house, prosecutors said.

Family members said Israel had gone to have dinner at her brother’s home the night she was killed. When she did not respond to calls for several hours, her mother drove to check on her. Prosecutors recounted how the mother saw Ball hurriedly leave the house, only to discover a bloody scene inside. She quickly called 911.

Responding officers documented a large pool of blood on the kitchen floor and blood spatter on sink cabinets. A number of tools and kitchen cutlery, described as being covered in blood, were recovered from the area. Police located more body parts in the home as they continued their search.

Shortly after authorities arrived, a Rosemount resident called 911 to report seeing a man leave what looked like a body part on their doorstep, according to police. This lead allowed officers to find Ball in the backyard of a neighboring house, suffering from a self-inflicted wound to his neck. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and later transferred to police custody.

During the investigation, officials reported finding journals written by Ball. In the writings, he expressed anger toward his sister for being pregnant, citing her pregnancy as evidence that she was “no longer innocent,” according to court records.

Prosecutors described the crime as deeply distressing not only for the family but for the police and emergency workers who processed the scene. The Dakota County Attorney emphasized that supporting the victims’ relatives and ensuring justice remain the top priorities for her office.

Friends and relatives of Bethany Israel have launched a fundraiser, describing her as a beloved wife, daughter, sister, and soon-to-be mother. Loved ones recalled her warmth and kindness, mourning the loss of her and her unborn child.

Ball is scheduled to be formally sentenced in the coming months. He remains in custody pending the court hearing.