A man has been charged with murdering his pregnant sister and her unborn child after allegedly dismembering her body.
Prosecutors have charged Jack Joseph Ball, 23, with two counts of murder in connection with the death of his sister Bethany Israel, 30.
Police were called to Ball’s home in Lakeville, Minnesota, last Thursday after family members became concerned about Israel.
Israel was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant at the time and officers entered the property and discovered “several dismembered body parts” that belonged to her.
During the search, housing officers found several of Ball’s diaries describing how he was angry that his sister was pregnant and “no longer innocent.”
Responding officers discovered Ball was covered in blood after he fled the scene before being taken into custody and charged.
Bethany Israel, seen here with her husband Jack, was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant at the time
Police were called to Ball’s Lakeville home, seen here, last Thursday after family members became concerned about Israel
According to charging documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Lakeville police responded to a 911 call from Israel’s mother.
Family members were concerned when Israel did not return home after having dinner with her brother earlier that evening.
The woman said she drove up to the house and saw Ball quickly leaving the property, telling officers that “he just ran out of the house.”
After entering the home, the family member said she saw a “substantial” amount of blood and called 911.
Responding officers entered the home and found a large pool of blood on the kitchen floor, under the sink and on the sink cabinets.
They also found a bloody saw, an ax and large knives covered in blood as they walked through the house, as well as his diaries.
While combing the property, they found several dismembered body parts that they believed belonged to Israel.
As police searched for Ball, they received another 911 call from a resident in nearby Rosemount.
The resident had seen a man leave a suspected body part on their porch through their ring camera.
Family members were concerned when Israel did not return home after dinner with her brother
When officers responded to the address, they found Ball in the backyard of a neighboring property.
Police described how Ball was covered in blood on his head, shirt, arms, legs and pants and had a self-inflicted knife wound to his throat.
Ball was able to communicate with officers and told them the date, time and name of the current president before he was taken into custody and taken to a local hospital.
After searching the area, they found more dismembered body parts believed to belong to Israel.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death was “complex homicidal violence.”
Neighbor Cindy Bond, who lives across the street, said KSTP: ‘My husband heard a female scream. A minute later there were screams and a car drove away.’
On Tuesday, Ball appeared in Dakota County District Court via video conference from the hospital.
His bail was set by Judge Bryce Ehrman at $2 million without conditions and $1 million with conditions.
Responding officers entered the home and found a large pool of blood on the kitchen floor, under the sink and on the sink cabinets.
They also found a bloody saw, an ax and large knives covered in blood as they walked through the house, as well as his diaries.
Once Ball is released from the hospital, the Dakota County Attorney’s office said he would be transferred to the Dakota County Jail.
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena said, “The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and horrific, words cannot describe what our law enforcement partners encountered during the investigation.
“My office will work hard to ensure that the victims receive justice and will provide the necessary support to the victims’ families.” Ball will appear in court again on June 10.
A GoFundMe has now been set up to help Israeli husband Jack and her family after her death.
A message accompanying the fundraiser said: “Bethany was not only a beloved wife, daughter, sister and mother-to-be, but also a beloved figure in the volleyball community.
“Bethany’s radiant spirit and unwavering kindness touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Her love of life, her family and the friendships she cherished are the legacies she leaves behind.
“As a beacon of warmth and generosity, Bethany’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.
“Please keep Bethany’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they endure this difficult journey.