DeBlase Children Murders
Child Abuse and Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Alabama, U.S.
TIME PERIOD
2010
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
Between March 4, 2010, and June 20, 2010, Natalie Alexis DeBlase, aged four, and Jonathan Chase DeBlase, aged three, were murdered by their father, John Joseph DeBlase, and stepmother, Heather Leavell-Keaton, in Alabama. The children had been victims of prolonged abuse since 2009, with their bodies later discovered in Mississippi and Alabama, respectively. John DeBlase and Leavell-Keaton were arrested in December 2010 after the children's disappearance raised suspicions, leading to their convictions for murder in separate trials between 2014 and 2015. Currently, John DeBlase is on death row at Holman Correctional Facility, while Leavell-Keaton is at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, both awaiting execution dates that have yet to be scheduled. Significant evidence included witness testimonies regarding the children's mistreatment and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
John Joseph DeBlase and Heather Leavell-Keaton are believed to have subjected the children to severe abuse leading up to their murders, with speculation that their actions were motivated by a desire to eliminate witnesses to their abusive behavior. Some theories suggest that the couple may have been involved in other criminal activities, raising questions about the full extent of their actions prior to the children's deaths. There is also speculation regarding potential failures in the child welfare system that may have contributed to the inability to protect the children despite signs of abuse.
The Tragic Tale of the DeBlase Children: A True Crime Narrative
A Sinister Prelude
In the heart of Alabama, a chilling tale of betrayal and brutality unfolded between March and June 2010. Two innocent lives, Natalie Alexis DeBlase and Jonathan Chase DeBlase, aged four and three respectively, were snuffed out by the very people meant to protect them— their father, John Joseph DeBlase, and his partner, Heather Leavell-Keaton. The couple, who began abusing the children in 2009, would ultimately be convicted of their murders.
Natalie was born on November 4, 2005, and her brother Chase followed on December 29, 2006. Both children were born to Corrine Heathcock and John Joseph DeBlase in Alabama. The family, however, was far from harmonious. After a tumultuous marriage, Heathcock and DeBlase parted ways, with DeBlase securing custody of the children in June 2009. Despite Heathcock's claims of DeBlase being a caring father, the children soon found themselves in a perilous situation.
A Life of Abuse
Following the divorce, DeBlase entered into a relationship with Heather Leavell-Keaton, a visually impaired scholarship student at Spring Hill College. The couple, living as common-law spouses, were soon embroiled in shocking accusations of child abuse. Witnesses recounted several disturbing incidents. During a cookout, Leavell-Keaton was seen screaming at Natalie and handling her roughly. At a friend's birthday party, Chase appeared ravenous, later suffering from diarrhea severe enough to require hospital treatment.
Reports emerged that on March 4, 2010, DeBlase allowed Leavell-Keaton to tape and gag Natalie, locking her in a suitcase in a closet. The abuse escalated with Natalie being poisoned with antifreeze. Similarly, on June 20, 2010, Leavell-Keaton bound Chase, gagged him, and forced him to stand in a corner overnight. Both children died under these horrific circumstances, their bodies discarded as the couple moved from Alabama to Kentucky.
The Investigation Unfolds
The grim reality of the children's fate began unraveling in November 2010. DeBlase was arrested in Kentucky for traffic violations, leading to an argument overheard by Leavell-Keaton's mother. This sparked suspicions, prompting her fiancé to consult a former police officer. Leavell-Keaton, when questioned, accused DeBlase of abuse, claiming the children were found unresponsive before being removed from the home.
Authorities, suspecting her involvement, discovered disturbing evidence in DeBlase’s impounded van, including children's belongings and antifreeze. Both DeBlase and Leavell-Keaton were arrested on child abuse charges. DeBlase confessed to burying the children, though he accused Leavell-Keaton of the murders. Despite the confession, the children's bodies remained missing until December 2010, when Natalie was found in Alabama and Chase in Mississippi. Autopsies were inconclusive, but the deaths were deemed likely due to homicidal violence.
Trials and Convictions
John Joseph DeBlase
John DeBlase faced justice first. His trial commenced on October 14, 2014, in Mobile County. The prosecution presented letters where DeBlase admitted to the killings, claiming he acted to end the children’s suffering inflicted by Leavell-Keaton. Fellow inmate Brandon Jerell Newburn testified about DeBlase’s letters, but the defense questioned Newburn's credibility, suggesting coercion.
On November 5, 2014, the jury found DeBlase guilty of three counts of capital murder. The prosecution argued for the death penalty, citing the “heinous, atrocious” nature of the crimes. Despite DeBlase’s claims of being misled by Leavell-Keaton, the jury recommended death. On January 8, 2015, Judge Roderick P. Stout sentenced him to death by lethal injection.
Heather Leavell-Keaton
Heather Leavell-Keaton’s trial began on May 8, 2015. Despite attempts to relocate the trial, she faced charges in Mobile County. On May 27, the jury delivered a split verdict: guilty of capital murder for Chase’s death and reckless manslaughter for Natalie’s. The prosecution deemed the verdict “bizarre,” given the circumstances.
During sentencing, the defense highlighted Leavell-Keaton’s mental health issues, but the jury recommended death for Chase’s murder and a 20-year sentence for Natalie’s manslaughter. On August 20, 2015, she became the first woman sentenced to death in Mobile County.
Current Status
As of now, John DeBlase remains on death row at the Holman Correctional Facility, while Heather Leavell-Keaton awaits execution at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Their executions have yet to be scheduled, leaving a lingering shadow over a case that shocked the nation.
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Natalie DeBlase Murdered
Four-year-old Natalie DeBlase is murdered by her father and stepmother.
Chase DeBlase Murdered
Three-year-old Jonathan Chase DeBlase is murdered by his father and stepmother.
Search for Bodies Begins
Police begin searching for the bodies of the DeBlase children after their disappearance is reported.
Natalie's Body Found
The remains of Natalie DeBlase are discovered in a forest near Citronelle, Alabama.
Chase's Body Found
The remains of Jonathan Chase DeBlase are found in a wooded area near Vancleave, Mississippi.
Charges Upgraded
Heather Leavell-Keaton's charges are upgraded to capital murder for the deaths of the DeBlase children.
John DeBlase Convicted
John DeBlase is found guilty of three counts of capital murder for the deaths of his children.
Leavell-Keaton Convicted
Heather Leavell-Keaton is found guilty of capital murder for Chase and reckless manslaughter for Natalie.
Final Appeal Dismissed
The U.S. Supreme Court dismisses Heather Leavell-Keaton's final appeal, confirming her death sentence.
Between March 4, 2010, and June 20, 2010, Natalie Alexis DeBlase, aged four, and Jonathan Chase DeBlase, aged three, were murdered by their father, John Joseph DeBlase, and stepmother, Heather Leavell-Keaton, in Alabama. The children had been victims of prolonged abuse since 2009, with their bodies later discovered in Mississippi and Alabama, respectively. John DeBlase and Leavell-Keaton were arrested in December 2010 after the children's disappearance raised suspicions, leading to their convictions for murder in separate trials between 2014 and 2015. Currently, John DeBlase is on death row at Holman Correctional Facility, while Leavell-Keaton is at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, both awaiting execution dates that have yet to be scheduled. Significant evidence included witness testimonies regarding the children's mistreatment and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
John Joseph DeBlase and Heather Leavell-Keaton are believed to have subjected the children to severe abuse leading up to their murders, with speculation that their actions were motivated by a desire to eliminate witnesses to their abusive behavior. Some theories suggest that the couple may have been involved in other criminal activities, raising questions about the full extent of their actions prior to the children's deaths. There is also speculation regarding potential failures in the child welfare system that may have contributed to the inability to protect the children despite signs of abuse.
The Tragic Tale of the DeBlase Children: A True Crime Narrative
A Sinister Prelude
In the heart of Alabama, a chilling tale of betrayal and brutality unfolded between March and June 2010. Two innocent lives, Natalie Alexis DeBlase and Jonathan Chase DeBlase, aged four and three respectively, were snuffed out by the very people meant to protect them— their father, John Joseph DeBlase, and his partner, Heather Leavell-Keaton. The couple, who began abusing the children in 2009, would ultimately be convicted of their murders.
Natalie was born on November 4, 2005, and her brother Chase followed on December 29, 2006. Both children were born to Corrine Heathcock and John Joseph DeBlase in Alabama. The family, however, was far from harmonious. After a tumultuous marriage, Heathcock and DeBlase parted ways, with DeBlase securing custody of the children in June 2009. Despite Heathcock's claims of DeBlase being a caring father, the children soon found themselves in a perilous situation.
A Life of Abuse
Following the divorce, DeBlase entered into a relationship with Heather Leavell-Keaton, a visually impaired scholarship student at Spring Hill College. The couple, living as common-law spouses, were soon embroiled in shocking accusations of child abuse. Witnesses recounted several disturbing incidents. During a cookout, Leavell-Keaton was seen screaming at Natalie and handling her roughly. At a friend's birthday party, Chase appeared ravenous, later suffering from diarrhea severe enough to require hospital treatment.
Reports emerged that on March 4, 2010, DeBlase allowed Leavell-Keaton to tape and gag Natalie, locking her in a suitcase in a closet. The abuse escalated with Natalie being poisoned with antifreeze. Similarly, on June 20, 2010, Leavell-Keaton bound Chase, gagged him, and forced him to stand in a corner overnight. Both children died under these horrific circumstances, their bodies discarded as the couple moved from Alabama to Kentucky.
The Investigation Unfolds
The grim reality of the children's fate began unraveling in November 2010. DeBlase was arrested in Kentucky for traffic violations, leading to an argument overheard by Leavell-Keaton's mother. This sparked suspicions, prompting her fiancé to consult a former police officer. Leavell-Keaton, when questioned, accused DeBlase of abuse, claiming the children were found unresponsive before being removed from the home.
Authorities, suspecting her involvement, discovered disturbing evidence in DeBlase’s impounded van, including children's belongings and antifreeze. Both DeBlase and Leavell-Keaton were arrested on child abuse charges. DeBlase confessed to burying the children, though he accused Leavell-Keaton of the murders. Despite the confession, the children's bodies remained missing until December 2010, when Natalie was found in Alabama and Chase in Mississippi. Autopsies were inconclusive, but the deaths were deemed likely due to homicidal violence.
Trials and Convictions
John Joseph DeBlase
John DeBlase faced justice first. His trial commenced on October 14, 2014, in Mobile County. The prosecution presented letters where DeBlase admitted to the killings, claiming he acted to end the children’s suffering inflicted by Leavell-Keaton. Fellow inmate Brandon Jerell Newburn testified about DeBlase’s letters, but the defense questioned Newburn's credibility, suggesting coercion.
On November 5, 2014, the jury found DeBlase guilty of three counts of capital murder. The prosecution argued for the death penalty, citing the “heinous, atrocious” nature of the crimes. Despite DeBlase’s claims of being misled by Leavell-Keaton, the jury recommended death. On January 8, 2015, Judge Roderick P. Stout sentenced him to death by lethal injection.
Heather Leavell-Keaton
Heather Leavell-Keaton’s trial began on May 8, 2015. Despite attempts to relocate the trial, she faced charges in Mobile County. On May 27, the jury delivered a split verdict: guilty of capital murder for Chase’s death and reckless manslaughter for Natalie’s. The prosecution deemed the verdict “bizarre,” given the circumstances.
During sentencing, the defense highlighted Leavell-Keaton’s mental health issues, but the jury recommended death for Chase’s murder and a 20-year sentence for Natalie’s manslaughter. On August 20, 2015, she became the first woman sentenced to death in Mobile County.
Current Status
As of now, John DeBlase remains on death row at the Holman Correctional Facility, while Heather Leavell-Keaton awaits execution at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Their executions have yet to be scheduled, leaving a lingering shadow over a case that shocked the nation.
Sources
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...
Natalie DeBlase Murdered
Four-year-old Natalie DeBlase is murdered by her father and stepmother.
Chase DeBlase Murdered
Three-year-old Jonathan Chase DeBlase is murdered by his father and stepmother.
Search for Bodies Begins
Police begin searching for the bodies of the DeBlase children after their disappearance is reported.
Natalie's Body Found
The remains of Natalie DeBlase are discovered in a forest near Citronelle, Alabama.
Chase's Body Found
The remains of Jonathan Chase DeBlase are found in a wooded area near Vancleave, Mississippi.
Charges Upgraded
Heather Leavell-Keaton's charges are upgraded to capital murder for the deaths of the DeBlase children.
John DeBlase Convicted
John DeBlase is found guilty of three counts of capital murder for the deaths of his children.
Leavell-Keaton Convicted
Heather Leavell-Keaton is found guilty of capital murder for Chase and reckless manslaughter for Natalie.
Final Appeal Dismissed
The U.S. Supreme Court dismisses Heather Leavell-Keaton's final appeal, confirming her death sentence.