(Lake County, IL) On Thursday, July 14, 2022, a Round Lake man entered a not guilty plea to the triple homicide of his three children, ages 2, 3, and 5.  

Jason Karels, 35, was indicted by a grand jury last Wednesday, July 6, on nine counts of first-degree murder. Chief of the Felony Division of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Jeff Facklam, charged Kerals with three different counts of first-degree murder for each of the children that he killed. 

Kerals was arrested on June 13, 2022, near Joliet, following a 17-minute pursuit by Illinois State Troopers. The chase led to Karel’s vehicle crashing near interstate 80 and Water Street in Joliet. While being removed from the car, Karels made statements to police officers regarding his role in the death of his three children.  

Karels is being held at the Lake County Jail without the possibility of cash bond.  

In a past statement, State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said, “This is a devastating case for our community, and we are resolved to achieve justice for these three innocent children.” Rinehart added after today’s arraignment, “In addition to filing these charges and placing significant resources into preparing for trial, we have also had extensive meetings with the family to let them know our office supports them and will be with them throughout the process.” 

Round Lake Police Officers responded to a 911 call at 200 East Camden Ln in Round Lake Beach, on June 13, 2022, after the mother of the victims discovered their deceased bodies. When police arrived, they found three children dead inside the home. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later determined the cause of death to be drowning. Officers on scene found a note from Karels that said, “If I can’t have them, neither can you.” 

Kerals is set to appear back in court on October 7, 2022, for a case management conference.