Devonte Hart
Familicide and Murder-Suicide
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Mendocino County, California
TIME PERIOD
March 26, 2018
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
On March 26, 2018, in Mendocino County, California, Jennifer Hart and her wife, Sarah Hart, committed a murder-suicide by driving their SUV off a cliff, resulting in the deaths of themselves and their six adopted children: Ciera (12), Abigail (14), Jeremiah (14), Devonte (15), Hannah (16), and Markis (19). The incident occurred after reports surfaced of possible child abuse and neglect within the family, leading to investigations by authorities. Following the tragedy, the case has been classified as a familicide, and investigations revealed that Jennifer was driving while Sarah was in the passenger seat. Currently, the case remains closed, with no further legal actions pending, but it continues to raise discussions about child welfare and mental health issues. Significant evidence includes the vehicle's trajectory and witness accounts of the family's prior circumstances, which indicated potential distress and dysfunction.
Investigators and the public theorize that Jennifer Hart may have been driven by a desire to escape scrutiny over her family's situation, as reports of abuse and neglect had surfaced prior to the incident. Some believe that the Hart family was living under a façade of a happy family, and the tragic end was a desperate attempt to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. Additionally, there is speculation that the couple may have planned the murder-suicide in advance, given the calculated nature of driving off a cliff with all the children in the vehicle.
The Tragic Tale of the Hart Family
The Fateful Day
On March 26, 2018, in the serene Mendocino County of California, a chilling murder-suicide unfolded that would haunt the nation. Jennifer Hart and her wife, Sarah Hart, both 38, drove their family SUV off a cliff, killing themselves and their six adopted children: Ciera, Abigail, Jeremiah, Devonte, Hannah, and Markis. This tragic end was the culmination of a series of events that began long before that fateful day.
The Hart Family Background
Jennifer Jean Hart and Sarah Margaret Hart hailed from South Dakota, with Jennifer originating from Huron and Sarah from Big Stone City, though some sources cite Ortonville, Minnesota as Sarah's hometown. Both were the eldest in their families; Jennifer had two siblings, and Sarah three. Their paths crossed at Northern State University in South Dakota, where they both majored in elementary education. Sarah had a special focus on special education. By 2002, Sarah graduated, while Jennifer left the university without completing her degree.
In 2005, Sarah legally changed her last name to match Jennifer’s. Their union was formalized in Connecticut in 2009, amidst a time when same-sex marriage was not universally recognized across the United States. Their journey led them from Minnesota to Oregon, and eventually to a rural area near Woodland, Washington, where they chose to live openly as a couple.
The Adoption Journey
Before adopting, the Harts were foster parents to a 15-year-old girl, whom they abandoned at a therapist’s office shortly before adopting their first three children. Abigail, Hannah, and Markis came into their lives in March 2006, adopted from Colorado County, Texas. Two years later, Ciera, Devonte, and Jeremiah joined the family, adopted from Houston after a turbulent custody situation with their biological family.
The family gained national attention when Devonte was photographed tearfully hugging a police officer during a 2014 protest in Portland. This image, dubbed the "hug felt 'round the world," painted the Harts as a loving family, masking the underlying issues.
Allegations of Abuse
In 2008, bruises on Hannah’s arm were reported by a teacher, leading to the revelation of abuse at the hands of Jennifer. By 2010, Abigail disclosed more severe abuse, including being submerged in cold water. Sarah took responsibility, resulting in a guilty plea to assault and a sentence of community service. Following these incidents, the children were withdrawn from public school and homeschooled.
In 2013, an investigation by Oregon authorities failed to substantiate new abuse claims despite alarming reports from family friends. The children were described as robotic and fearful of Jennifer, subjected to severe food restrictions and other harsh punishments.
Escalating Concerns in Washington
The family moved to Washington, where further signs of distress emerged. In August 2017, Hannah fled to a neighbor, claiming abuse and pleading for help. Devonte also sought food from neighbors, underscoring the dire situation. These incidents prompted reports to authorities, but attempts to investigate were thwarted when caseworkers were unable to contact the family.
The Murder-Suicide
On the morning of March 26, 2018, the family’s GMC Yukon XL was driven off a 100-foot cliff on California State Route 1. The bodies of Jennifer, Sarah, and five children were recovered, but Devonte’s remains were never found. Expert analysis revealed the SUV was deliberately accelerated off the cliff. A coroner’s jury concluded unanimously that this was a murder-suicide. Toxicology reports showed Jennifer’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, and Sarah, along with two children, had diphenhydramine in their systems.
Before the crash, Sarah searched online for the lethality of Benadryl and drowning, alongside queries about no-kill shelters, leaving their two dogs behind. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Department officially closed the case in 2019, releasing declassified records that painted a grim picture. A co-worker recounted Sarah expressing regret over adopting, wishing someone had told her it was okay not to have a large family.
Cultural Impact
The Hart family tragedy resonated in popular culture, inspiring an episode of the television series "Atlanta" and a novella in Russell Banks' 2024 collection "American Spirits." These works explore the complex dynamics and hidden struggles within the Hart family.
Sources
For further reading and original content, see the Wikipedia page: Hart family murders.
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Hart Family Murder-Suicide
Jennifer and Sarah Hart drove their SUV off a cliff, killing themselves and their six adopted children.
Child Welfare Check
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services attempted to contact the Hart family due to reports of abuse.
Hannah's Escape
Hannah Hart jumped out of a window and sought help from neighbors, claiming abuse by her parents.
Abuse Allegations in Oregon
Oregon authorities investigated the Hart family for allegations of abuse, but found no conclusive evidence.
Sarah's Conviction
Sarah Hart pled guilty to assault for abusing the children and was sentenced to community service.
Inquest Verdict
A jury ruled the Hart family crash a murder-suicide, confirming all six children were in the vehicle.
Devonte Hart Declared Dead
A death certificate was signed for Devonte Hart, despite his body not being recovered.
Case Closure
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Department officially closed the case and released declassified records.
On March 26, 2018, in Mendocino County, California, Jennifer Hart and her wife, Sarah Hart, committed a murder-suicide by driving their SUV off a cliff, resulting in the deaths of themselves and their six adopted children: Ciera (12), Abigail (14), Jeremiah (14), Devonte (15), Hannah (16), and Markis (19). The incident occurred after reports surfaced of possible child abuse and neglect within the family, leading to investigations by authorities. Following the tragedy, the case has been classified as a familicide, and investigations revealed that Jennifer was driving while Sarah was in the passenger seat. Currently, the case remains closed, with no further legal actions pending, but it continues to raise discussions about child welfare and mental health issues. Significant evidence includes the vehicle's trajectory and witness accounts of the family's prior circumstances, which indicated potential distress and dysfunction.
Investigators and the public theorize that Jennifer Hart may have been driven by a desire to escape scrutiny over her family's situation, as reports of abuse and neglect had surfaced prior to the incident. Some believe that the Hart family was living under a façade of a happy family, and the tragic end was a desperate attempt to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. Additionally, there is speculation that the couple may have planned the murder-suicide in advance, given the calculated nature of driving off a cliff with all the children in the vehicle.
The Tragic Tale of the Hart Family
The Fateful Day
On March 26, 2018, in the serene Mendocino County of California, a chilling murder-suicide unfolded that would haunt the nation. Jennifer Hart and her wife, Sarah Hart, both 38, drove their family SUV off a cliff, killing themselves and their six adopted children: Ciera, Abigail, Jeremiah, Devonte, Hannah, and Markis. This tragic end was the culmination of a series of events that began long before that fateful day.
The Hart Family Background
Jennifer Jean Hart and Sarah Margaret Hart hailed from South Dakota, with Jennifer originating from Huron and Sarah from Big Stone City, though some sources cite Ortonville, Minnesota as Sarah's hometown. Both were the eldest in their families; Jennifer had two siblings, and Sarah three. Their paths crossed at Northern State University in South Dakota, where they both majored in elementary education. Sarah had a special focus on special education. By 2002, Sarah graduated, while Jennifer left the university without completing her degree.
In 2005, Sarah legally changed her last name to match Jennifer’s. Their union was formalized in Connecticut in 2009, amidst a time when same-sex marriage was not universally recognized across the United States. Their journey led them from Minnesota to Oregon, and eventually to a rural area near Woodland, Washington, where they chose to live openly as a couple.
The Adoption Journey
Before adopting, the Harts were foster parents to a 15-year-old girl, whom they abandoned at a therapist’s office shortly before adopting their first three children. Abigail, Hannah, and Markis came into their lives in March 2006, adopted from Colorado County, Texas. Two years later, Ciera, Devonte, and Jeremiah joined the family, adopted from Houston after a turbulent custody situation with their biological family.
The family gained national attention when Devonte was photographed tearfully hugging a police officer during a 2014 protest in Portland. This image, dubbed the "hug felt 'round the world," painted the Harts as a loving family, masking the underlying issues.
Allegations of Abuse
In 2008, bruises on Hannah’s arm were reported by a teacher, leading to the revelation of abuse at the hands of Jennifer. By 2010, Abigail disclosed more severe abuse, including being submerged in cold water. Sarah took responsibility, resulting in a guilty plea to assault and a sentence of community service. Following these incidents, the children were withdrawn from public school and homeschooled.
In 2013, an investigation by Oregon authorities failed to substantiate new abuse claims despite alarming reports from family friends. The children were described as robotic and fearful of Jennifer, subjected to severe food restrictions and other harsh punishments.
Escalating Concerns in Washington
The family moved to Washington, where further signs of distress emerged. In August 2017, Hannah fled to a neighbor, claiming abuse and pleading for help. Devonte also sought food from neighbors, underscoring the dire situation. These incidents prompted reports to authorities, but attempts to investigate were thwarted when caseworkers were unable to contact the family.
The Murder-Suicide
On the morning of March 26, 2018, the family’s GMC Yukon XL was driven off a 100-foot cliff on California State Route 1. The bodies of Jennifer, Sarah, and five children were recovered, but Devonte’s remains were never found. Expert analysis revealed the SUV was deliberately accelerated off the cliff. A coroner’s jury concluded unanimously that this was a murder-suicide. Toxicology reports showed Jennifer’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, and Sarah, along with two children, had diphenhydramine in their systems.
Before the crash, Sarah searched online for the lethality of Benadryl and drowning, alongside queries about no-kill shelters, leaving their two dogs behind. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Department officially closed the case in 2019, releasing declassified records that painted a grim picture. A co-worker recounted Sarah expressing regret over adopting, wishing someone had told her it was okay not to have a large family.
Cultural Impact
The Hart family tragedy resonated in popular culture, inspiring an episode of the television series "Atlanta" and a novella in Russell Banks' 2024 collection "American Spirits." These works explore the complex dynamics and hidden struggles within the Hart family.
Sources
For further reading and original content, see the Wikipedia page: Hart 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...
Hart Family Murder-Suicide
Jennifer and Sarah Hart drove their SUV off a cliff, killing themselves and their six adopted children.
Child Welfare Check
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services attempted to contact the Hart family due to reports of abuse.
Hannah's Escape
Hannah Hart jumped out of a window and sought help from neighbors, claiming abuse by her parents.
Abuse Allegations in Oregon
Oregon authorities investigated the Hart family for allegations of abuse, but found no conclusive evidence.
Sarah's Conviction
Sarah Hart pled guilty to assault for abusing the children and was sentenced to community service.
Inquest Verdict
A jury ruled the Hart family crash a murder-suicide, confirming all six children were in the vehicle.
Devonte Hart Declared Dead
A death certificate was signed for Devonte Hart, despite his body not being recovered.
Case Closure
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Department officially closed the case and released declassified records.