The Tragic Tale of the Hart Family

A Family's Final Journey

On the morning of March 26, 2018, the serene cliffs of Mendocino County, California, bore silent witness to a shocking tragedy. Jennifer Hart, 38, was behind the wheel of the family's GMC Yukon XL, her wife Sarah Hart, also 38, sat in the passenger seat. Together, they drove their vehicle over a 100-foot cliff, ending their lives and those of their six adopted children: Ciera (12), Abigail (14), Jeremiah (14), Devonte (15), Hannah (16), and Markis (19). This calculated act of murder-suicide stunned the nation and left a trail of unanswered questions.

The Harts: From South Dakota to the Edge

Jennifer Jean Hart and Sarah Margaret Hart hailed from South Dakota. Jennifer was from Huron, while Sarah had roots in Big Stone City, though some accounts suggest Ortonville, Minnesota. Both were the eldest children in their families, with Jennifer having two siblings and Sarah three. Their paths crossed at Northern State University, where they began their relationship. While Jennifer did not complete her degree, Sarah graduated in special education.

In 2009, when same-sex marriage was still illegal in many states, the couple traveled to Connecticut to wed. They had previously moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, in 2004, where they chose to live openly as a couple. Jennifer eventually became a stay-at-home mother, while Sarah climbed the managerial ranks at Herberger's and later at Kohl's in Hazel Dell, Washington.

The Harts isolated themselves from their families, despite acceptance of their sexual orientation. Jennifer's estrangement from her father started in 2001, and both families cited criticism about their parenting as a cause for the distance.

Adoption and the Facade of Happiness

Before adopting their six children, the Harts fostered a 15-year-old girl, whom they unexpectedly abandoned at a therapist's office. Their first three children—Abigail, Hannah, and Markis—came from Colorado County, Texas, in 2006. Two years later, they added Ciera, Devonte, and Jeremiah from Houston to their family. These children were removed from their biological aunt after she violated a court order by allowing contact with their biological mother.

Devonte gained national attention in 2014 when a photograph captured him hugging a police officer during a protest in Portland, Oregon. This image, dubbed the "hug felt 'round the world," was a stark contrast to the reality within the Hart household. Jennifer's active social media presence painted a picture of a loving family, masking the dark undercurrents of abuse and control.

Allegations and Abuse

Minnesota: Early Signs

In 2008, teachers in Minnesota noticed bruises on Hannah's arm, which she attributed to Jennifer's belt. Afterward, all six children were withdrawn from public school. In 2010, Abigail reported being abused over a stolen penny. Sarah pleaded guilty to assault and completed community service, but the family continued to homeschool the children, cutting them off from potential outside intervention.

Oregon: Heightened Scrutiny

Oregon authorities investigated the Harts in 2013 after learning of past abuse. Interviews with family members and acquaintances painted a picture of strict control, with the children appearing fearful and underfed. However, lack of concrete evidence led to the case being closed without action.

Washington: Cries for Help

By 2017, the Harts had relocated to Woodland, Washington. One night, Hannah fled to the neighbors, the DeKalbs, claiming abuse. Despite Jennifer's dismissals, Devonte later confided in the DeKalbs about food deprivation and abuse. Alarmed, the DeKalbs reported the situation to the police and social services. Case workers attempted to reach the Harts twice, including on the day of the tragic events.

The Fatal Drive

On that fateful day in March, the Harts' vehicle accelerated off a cliff from a standstill, plunging into the ocean below. The bodies of five children were found nearby, but Devonte's remains are still unaccounted for as of 2025. A judge later confirmed his presence in the vehicle during the crash, and a death certificate was issued in 2019.

Investigators revealed that Jennifer's blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. Sarah and two children had diphenhydramine in their systems. Searches on Sarah's phone included inquiries about Benadryl's lethality and drowning, suggesting premeditation. The family's two dogs were left at home, uncared for but alive.

Aftermath and Reflection

The coroner's jury ruled the case a murder-suicide, ending any possibility of prosecution. Despite the horrific end, the Harts' story serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities of abuse and the facades that can hide it. In popular culture, the tragedy inspired an episode of the TV series "Atlanta" and a fictionalized story in Russell Banks' 2024 novella collection, "American Spirits."

Sources

For further reading, please refer to the original Wikipedia article.