Careaga Family Murders
Quadruple Family Homicide
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Kitsap County, Washington, US
TIME PERIOD
January 27-29, 2017
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
On January 27, 2017, in Kitsap County, Washington, the Careaga family was brutally murdered in their home, resulting in the deaths of John Derek "Johnny" Careaga, Christale Lynn Careaga, Johnathon Felipe Higgins, and Hunter Evan Schaap. The incident began when Hunter Schaap called 9-1-1 to report that they had been shot, but the call ended abruptly; he was subsequently killed along with Christale and Johnathon inside the residence, which was then set on fire. Two days later, Johnny Careaga's body was found in his burnt truck on a remote road in Mason County. The motive for the murders was linked to a financial dispute over narcotics, leading to the convictions of Danie Kelly, Robert Watson, and Johnny Watson. The case remains a significant investigation due to its violent nature and the involvement of multiple suspects.
The Careaga family murders are believed to have been motivated by a financial dispute over narcotics. Investigators and the public speculate that the involvement of multiple suspects, including Danie Kelly and the Watson brothers, indicates a planned attack rather than a random act of violence. Additionally, some theories suggest that the fire set to the home was meant to destroy evidence related to the crime.
The Careaga Family Murders: A Chilling Tale of Betrayal and Brutality
A Family in Kitsap County
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Kitsap County, Washington, the Careaga family seemed to epitomize the American dream. John Derek "Johnny" Careaga, aged 43, and his wife, Christale Lynn Careaga, aged 37, had built a life together since their marriage in 2009. They were proud owners of Christale's Java Hut & Juanitos Taco Shop, a bustling Mexican restaurant in Bremerton. Their home was also the haven for two teenagers, 16-year-old Johnathon Felipe Higgins and 16-year-old Hunter Evan Schaap, who joined this family from previous relationships.
The Tragic Night of January 27, 2017
The tranquility of their home shattered on the night of January 27, 2017. Christale, Hunter, and Johnathon were brutally shot and killed. Their home, once filled with laughter and warmth, was set ablaze. In a separate incident two days later, Johnny Careaga's charred body was discovered in his truck on a desolate road in Mason County, marking the grim end of this family.
The night unfolded with friends visiting the Careaga residence. Johnny, after receiving a mysterious phone call, assured his family he would return soon. True to his word, he came back but remained outside. A guest, concerned, ventured to the garage where he overheard the rising tensions of three men in a heated conversation.
Amidst this chaos, Hunter Schaap made a desperate call to 9-1-1, pleading for help, declaring that his family had been shot. The call ended abruptly, and Hunter was cruelly smothered with a pillow before being shot in the head. When emergency responders arrived, they faced an inferno, with the lifeless bodies of Christale, Hunter, and Johnathon amidst the flames.
The Discovery of Johnny Careaga
On January 29, Johnny's remains were found in a burned-out Ford F150 on an abandoned tree farm in Belfair, Washington. A caretaker from the property shared with investigators that Johnny had visited the farm earlier, notably without his truck.
The Investigation Unfolds
The Kitsap County Fire Marshal's Office discovered that fire accelerants had been strategically placed on beds throughout the home, and large rocks were thrown through windows to intensify the blaze. Investigators unearthed over $50,000 in cash in a strongbox and an additional $7,000 in a money bag in the master bedroom, hinting at a motive beyond mere brutality.
The Dark Motive
The quadruple homicide was not random; it was the culmination of a financial dispute over narcotics. Johnny Careaga was at the center, allegedly involved in transporting cocaine from California to Kitsap County. This illicit trade linked him to dangerous circles, including the notorious Bandidos Motorcycle Club, a group with a global presence and a history steeped in organized crime, including drug trafficking and murder.
Johnny's friend had been selling cocaine to Robert "Bobby" Watson III, a fully-patched member of the Bandidos' Bremerton chapter. Tensions between Johnny and Watson escalated, culminating in a fierce argument during one of Johnny's trips to California, shadowed by Watson.
The Key Players
Robert James "Bobby" Watson III, the alleged mastermind, served as Vice President of the Bandidos' Bellingham chapter. His involvement was shrouded in inconsistent statements, even as the chapter's President condemned the murders, expressing disdain for harming women and children.
Bobby's younger brother, Johnny J. Watson, unlike his sibling, was not connected to the Bandidos. Yet, he found himself embroiled in the aftermath of the family's murder.
Danie Jay Kelly Jr., a Bandidos associate and a former friend of Johnny Careaga, had once been his confidant and even the best man at his first wedding. Their friendship soured over accusations of theft, adding another layer to the tragic narrative.
The Legal Reckoning
In response, authorities formed a task force to investigate the murders, leading to the arrest of Danie Kelly, Robert Watson, and Johnny Watson. Each faced 16 felony charges, including aggravated murder, arson, and burglary. The men pleaded not guilty. They were held without bail, prohibited from possessing firearms, alcohol, or drugs, and forbidden from contacting one another.
In April 2024, justice was served. The trio was found guilty of 30 charges, including first-degree and premeditated murder, and arson. On May 7, 2024, they were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, ensuring they would never walk free to harm another soul.
Sources
For additional details on this chilling case, visit the original Wikipedia article on the Careaga family murders.
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Careaga Family Murders
Christale Careaga, Hunter Schaap, and Johnathon Higgins are shot and killed in their home, which is then set on fire.
Johnny Careaga Found Dead
The charred body of Johnny Careaga is discovered in his burned truck on a remote road.
Investigation Begins
A task force is formed to investigate the quadruple homicide of the Careaga family.
Three Arrested
Danie Kelly, Robert Watson, and Johnny Watson are arrested and charged with multiple felonies including murder.
Suspects Plead Not Guilty
The three suspects plead not guilty to the charges against them in court.
Charges Updated
Some charges against the suspects are dropped as the case progresses.
Guilty Verdict
The three men are found guilty of 30 charges, including first-degree murder and arson.
Sentencing
The three perpetrators are sentenced to life in prison without parole.
On January 27, 2017, in Kitsap County, Washington, the Careaga family was brutally murdered in their home, resulting in the deaths of John Derek "Johnny" Careaga, Christale Lynn Careaga, Johnathon Felipe Higgins, and Hunter Evan Schaap. The incident began when Hunter Schaap called 9-1-1 to report that they had been shot, but the call ended abruptly; he was subsequently killed along with Christale and Johnathon inside the residence, which was then set on fire. Two days later, Johnny Careaga's body was found in his burnt truck on a remote road in Mason County. The motive for the murders was linked to a financial dispute over narcotics, leading to the convictions of Danie Kelly, Robert Watson, and Johnny Watson. The case remains a significant investigation due to its violent nature and the involvement of multiple suspects.
The Careaga family murders are believed to have been motivated by a financial dispute over narcotics. Investigators and the public speculate that the involvement of multiple suspects, including Danie Kelly and the Watson brothers, indicates a planned attack rather than a random act of violence. Additionally, some theories suggest that the fire set to the home was meant to destroy evidence related to the crime.
The Careaga Family Murders: A Chilling Tale of Betrayal and Brutality
A Family in Kitsap County
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Kitsap County, Washington, the Careaga family seemed to epitomize the American dream. John Derek "Johnny" Careaga, aged 43, and his wife, Christale Lynn Careaga, aged 37, had built a life together since their marriage in 2009. They were proud owners of Christale's Java Hut & Juanitos Taco Shop, a bustling Mexican restaurant in Bremerton. Their home was also the haven for two teenagers, 16-year-old Johnathon Felipe Higgins and 16-year-old Hunter Evan Schaap, who joined this family from previous relationships.
The Tragic Night of January 27, 2017
The tranquility of their home shattered on the night of January 27, 2017. Christale, Hunter, and Johnathon were brutally shot and killed. Their home, once filled with laughter and warmth, was set ablaze. In a separate incident two days later, Johnny Careaga's charred body was discovered in his truck on a desolate road in Mason County, marking the grim end of this family.
The night unfolded with friends visiting the Careaga residence. Johnny, after receiving a mysterious phone call, assured his family he would return soon. True to his word, he came back but remained outside. A guest, concerned, ventured to the garage where he overheard the rising tensions of three men in a heated conversation.
Amidst this chaos, Hunter Schaap made a desperate call to 9-1-1, pleading for help, declaring that his family had been shot. The call ended abruptly, and Hunter was cruelly smothered with a pillow before being shot in the head. When emergency responders arrived, they faced an inferno, with the lifeless bodies of Christale, Hunter, and Johnathon amidst the flames.
The Discovery of Johnny Careaga
On January 29, Johnny's remains were found in a burned-out Ford F150 on an abandoned tree farm in Belfair, Washington. A caretaker from the property shared with investigators that Johnny had visited the farm earlier, notably without his truck.
The Investigation Unfolds
The Kitsap County Fire Marshal's Office discovered that fire accelerants had been strategically placed on beds throughout the home, and large rocks were thrown through windows to intensify the blaze. Investigators unearthed over $50,000 in cash in a strongbox and an additional $7,000 in a money bag in the master bedroom, hinting at a motive beyond mere brutality.
The Dark Motive
The quadruple homicide was not random; it was the culmination of a financial dispute over narcotics. Johnny Careaga was at the center, allegedly involved in transporting cocaine from California to Kitsap County. This illicit trade linked him to dangerous circles, including the notorious Bandidos Motorcycle Club, a group with a global presence and a history steeped in organized crime, including drug trafficking and murder.
Johnny's friend had been selling cocaine to Robert "Bobby" Watson III, a fully-patched member of the Bandidos' Bremerton chapter. Tensions between Johnny and Watson escalated, culminating in a fierce argument during one of Johnny's trips to California, shadowed by Watson.
The Key Players
Robert James "Bobby" Watson III, the alleged mastermind, served as Vice President of the Bandidos' Bellingham chapter. His involvement was shrouded in inconsistent statements, even as the chapter's President condemned the murders, expressing disdain for harming women and children.
Bobby's younger brother, Johnny J. Watson, unlike his sibling, was not connected to the Bandidos. Yet, he found himself embroiled in the aftermath of the family's murder.
Danie Jay Kelly Jr., a Bandidos associate and a former friend of Johnny Careaga, had once been his confidant and even the best man at his first wedding. Their friendship soured over accusations of theft, adding another layer to the tragic narrative.
The Legal Reckoning
In response, authorities formed a task force to investigate the murders, leading to the arrest of Danie Kelly, Robert Watson, and Johnny Watson. Each faced 16 felony charges, including aggravated murder, arson, and burglary. The men pleaded not guilty. They were held without bail, prohibited from possessing firearms, alcohol, or drugs, and forbidden from contacting one another.
In April 2024, justice was served. The trio was found guilty of 30 charges, including first-degree and premeditated murder, and arson. On May 7, 2024, they were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, ensuring they would never walk free to harm another soul.
Sources
For additional details on this chilling case, visit the original Wikipedia article on the Careaga family murders.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Careaga Family Murders
Christale Careaga, Hunter Schaap, and Johnathon Higgins are shot and killed in their home, which is then set on fire.
Johnny Careaga Found Dead
The charred body of Johnny Careaga is discovered in his burned truck on a remote road.
Investigation Begins
A task force is formed to investigate the quadruple homicide of the Careaga family.
Three Arrested
Danie Kelly, Robert Watson, and Johnny Watson are arrested and charged with multiple felonies including murder.
Suspects Plead Not Guilty
The three suspects plead not guilty to the charges against them in court.
Charges Updated
Some charges against the suspects are dropped as the case progresses.
Guilty Verdict
The three men are found guilty of 30 charges, including first-degree murder and arson.
Sentencing
The three perpetrators are sentenced to life in prison without parole.