Nathan Carman Found Liable in Mother's Death

Nathan Carman

Nathan Carman Found Liable in Mother’s Murder, Ordered to Pay $2 Million in Wrongful Death Suit

Hartford, CT – June 10, 2024

A federal judge has ruled that Nathan Carman, the Vermont man at the center of a high-profile murder and inheritance dispute, is legally responsible for the death of his mother, Linda Carman. The decision comes after a years-long legal battle brought by Linda’s sisters, who accused Carman of killing his mother in 2016 to collect a $7 million inheritance.

The Mysterious Disappearance at Sea

Linda Carman vanished in September 2016 during a fishing trip with her son off the coast of Rhode Island. Nathan claimed their boat, the Chicken Pox, suddenly sank, leaving him adrift for a week before being rescued by a passing freighter. However, investigators quickly grew suspicious, noting that Carman had made suspicious modifications to the vessel before the trip and failed to report the emergency properly.

A History of Suspicion

Nathan Carman had long been a person of interest in another death—the 2013 shooting of his wealthy grandfather, John Chakalos. Though never charged in that case, authorities believed Carman was motivated by potential inheritance money. When Linda Carman—Chakalos’s daughter—disappeared, her sisters sued Nathan, alleging he murdered her to access the family fortune.

Judge’s Ruling: 'Substantial Evidence' of Wrongdoing

In a scathing decision, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford found 'substantial evidence' that Carman intentionally caused his mother’s death. The judge ordered him to pay $2 million in damages to Linda’s estate. While the ruling does not carry criminal penalties, it strengthens the case against Carman, who has repeatedly denied any involvement in his mother’s disappearance.

Carman’s Legal Troubles Continue

Carman, now 31, still faces separate criminal charges in Vermont related to fraud and firearms violations. Prosecutors allege he falsified information when purchasing the rifle used in his grandfather’s murder.

Legal experts say the civil verdict could influence future criminal proceedings. 'This ruling sends a strong message that the court believes Nathan Carman was involved in his mother’s death,' said legal analyst Rebecca Moore. 'It wouldn’t be surprising if prosecutors revisit criminal charges.'

Family Reacts

Linda Carman’s sisters expressed relief at the verdict. 'We’ve waited years for justice,' said Valerie Santilli, one of the plaintiffs. 'Linda deserved better, and today, the court recognized that.'

Nathan Carman’s attorney has indicated plans to appeal, maintaining his client’s innocence.

The case, which has drawn comparisons to a real-life thriller, continues to unfold as Carman fights legal battles on multiple fronts.

—Reporting by James Thornton, Hartford Courant

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