Sarah Hart (Murderer)
Familicide Murder-Suicide Case
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, executed a murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of themselves and their six adopted children: Ciera (12), Abigail (14), Jeremiah (14), Devonte (15), Hannah (16), and Markis (19). Jennifer drove their SUV off a cliff, killing all occupants. The incident is classified as a familicide and has raised significant concerns regarding the family's welfare prior to the tragedy, including reports of abuse and neglect. As of now, the case remains closed, with no further legal actions pending against the deceased perpetrators. Investigative findings revealed a history of troubling behavior, including prior incidents of child welfare investigations.
Investigators and the public speculate that the Hart family may have been fleeing from the authorities due to reports of child abuse and neglect, which could have contributed to the tragic decision to drive off the cliff. Some believe that the incident was premeditated, pointing to the family's history of troubling behavior and the lack of visible signs of distress just prior to the event. There are also theories suggesting that the couple may have viewed the murder-suicide as a means of escaping perceived threats or an inability to maintain their family unit in the face of impending separation.
The Hart Family Tragedy
A Fatal Drive off the California Cliffs
On March 26, 2018, a seemingly idyllic family road trip in Mendocino County, California, turned into a chilling tale of murder-suicide. Jennifer Hart, 38, drove the family’s SUV off a 100-foot cliff, taking with her the lives of her wife Sarah Hart, also 38, and their six adopted children: Ciera (12), Abigail (14), Jeremiah (14), Devonte (15), Hannah (16), and Markis (19). Beneath the sunlit skies of California, a dark story of a family’s end unfolded on that fateful day.
Background: The Path to Tragedy
Jennifer Jean Hart and Sarah Margaret Hart, both born in 1979, hailed from South Dakota—Jennifer from Huron and Sarah from Big Stone City. The two women, each the eldest in their families, met at Northern State University (NSU) where they began a relationship. Jennifer transferred to NSU in 1999 from Augustana University, while Sarah, having initially attended the University of Minnesota, joined NSU focusing on special education. Though Sarah graduated in 2002, Jennifer left without a degree. Love led them to Connecticut in 2009, where they wed, as same-sex marriage remained illegal in many states then.
The couple eventually settled in Alexandria, Minnesota, in 2004, working at Herberger’s store. Jennifer became a stay-at-home mom in 2006, while Sarah continued as a manager. Their journey took them to West Linn, Oregon, and finally to an area near Woodland, Washington. Their income, largely supported by state funds from Texas for their adopted children, sustained their lifestyle. However, tensions simmered beneath the surface, with the Harts distancing themselves from family due to criticism over their parenting style.
The Heart of the Family: Adoption and Public Image
Before adopting their six children, the Harts fostered a teenage girl whom they unexpectedly abandoned at a therapist's office. Their first adoption from Texas in 2006 included Abigail, Hannah, and Markis, followed by Ciera, Devonte, and Jeremiah in 2008. The children, originally from troubled homes, were meant to find solace in the Hart household. Yet, the facade of a loving family, often portrayed through Jennifer’s active social media presence, masked a much darker reality.
Devonte, the most publicly visible of the children, became famous after a 2014 photograph captured him hugging a police officer during a protest in Portland, Oregon. This image, dubbed "the hug felt 'round the world," contrasted starkly with allegations of abuse that began to surface.
The Dark Underbelly: Allegations of Abuse
Minnesota
In 2008, a teacher noticed bruises on Hannah’s arm, reportedly from Jennifer’s belt. The children were soon removed from public school. By 2010, Abigail revealed abuse, including being dunked in cold water over a perceived theft. Sarah took responsibility, resulting in a guilty plea for assault and a community service sentence. Continued allegations led to the children being homeschooled.
Oregon
When the family moved to Oregon, authorities were alerted to past abuses. Interviews revealed strict household rules, but no new incidents were uncovered. Jennifer claimed prejudice against their family dynamics as the root of their troubles.
Washington
In a chilling event in 2017, Hannah fled to a neighbor's house, pleading about abuse and racism. Devonte later confided in neighbors, leading them to report the Harts to authorities. Attempts by social services to contact the family went unanswered, with visits occurring just days before the fateful crash.
The Murders: A Calculated Act
On that tragic March day, Jennifer Hart steered their GMC Yukon XL over the cliff on California State Route 1. The vehicle plummeted onto the rocky beach below, claiming the lives of all but one visible victim—Devonte’s body remains undiscovered. Investigations revealed the SUV’s acceleration from a standstill, with a throttle at 100% at the moment of descent.
A coroner’s jury concluded unanimously that this was a murder-suicide. Jennifer was found to be over the legal alcohol limit, while Sarah and two children tested positive for diphenhydramine. Searches on Sarah’s phone included inquiries about Benadryl’s lethality and drowning, alongside queries for “no-kill shelters for dogs,” eerily hinting at their tragic end.
The Aftermath and Cultural Impact
In the aftermath, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department closed the case in 2019, confirming the grim events. Sarah had previously confided to a coworker her regrets about adopting, a haunting reminder of the burdens they carried.
The Hart family’s story reverberated through pop culture, inspiring episodes like Atlanta’s "Three Slaps" and stories such as Russell Banks’ "Homeschooling" in his 2024 novella collection, American Spirits.
Sources
For more detailed information on the Hart family murders, visit the Wikipedia article.
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First Adoption
The Hart family adopts three children from Texas.
Abuse Allegations Begin
A teacher reports bruises on Hannah, indicating abuse by Jennifer.
Oregon Investigation
Oregon authorities investigate abuse allegations but find no conclusive evidence.
Hannah Escapes
Hannah jumps from a window and pleads with neighbors not to return her to the Harts.
Social Services Visit
Washington State DSHS attempts to contact the Harts due to abuse reports.
Murder-Suicide
Jennifer Hart drives the family SUV off a cliff, killing herself and all six children.
Investigation Findings
Authorities confirm all six children were in the vehicle during the crash.
Inquest Verdict
A jury rules the Hart family crash a murder-suicide.
Devonte Declared Dead
A death certificate is issued for Devonte Hart, confirming he was in the vehicle.
On March 26, 2018, in Mendocino County, California, Jennifer Hart and her wife, Sarah Hart, executed a murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of themselves and their six adopted children: Ciera (12), Abigail (14), Jeremiah (14), Devonte (15), Hannah (16), and Markis (19). Jennifer drove their SUV off a cliff, killing all occupants. The incident is classified as a familicide and has raised significant concerns regarding the family's welfare prior to the tragedy, including reports of abuse and neglect. As of now, the case remains closed, with no further legal actions pending against the deceased perpetrators. Investigative findings revealed a history of troubling behavior, including prior incidents of child welfare investigations.
Investigators and the public speculate that the Hart family may have been fleeing from the authorities due to reports of child abuse and neglect, which could have contributed to the tragic decision to drive off the cliff. Some believe that the incident was premeditated, pointing to the family's history of troubling behavior and the lack of visible signs of distress just prior to the event. There are also theories suggesting that the couple may have viewed the murder-suicide as a means of escaping perceived threats or an inability to maintain their family unit in the face of impending separation.
The Hart Family Tragedy
A Fatal Drive off the California Cliffs
On March 26, 2018, a seemingly idyllic family road trip in Mendocino County, California, turned into a chilling tale of murder-suicide. Jennifer Hart, 38, drove the family’s SUV off a 100-foot cliff, taking with her the lives of her wife Sarah Hart, also 38, and their six adopted children: Ciera (12), Abigail (14), Jeremiah (14), Devonte (15), Hannah (16), and Markis (19). Beneath the sunlit skies of California, a dark story of a family’s end unfolded on that fateful day.
Background: The Path to Tragedy
Jennifer Jean Hart and Sarah Margaret Hart, both born in 1979, hailed from South Dakota—Jennifer from Huron and Sarah from Big Stone City. The two women, each the eldest in their families, met at Northern State University (NSU) where they began a relationship. Jennifer transferred to NSU in 1999 from Augustana University, while Sarah, having initially attended the University of Minnesota, joined NSU focusing on special education. Though Sarah graduated in 2002, Jennifer left without a degree. Love led them to Connecticut in 2009, where they wed, as same-sex marriage remained illegal in many states then.
The couple eventually settled in Alexandria, Minnesota, in 2004, working at Herberger’s store. Jennifer became a stay-at-home mom in 2006, while Sarah continued as a manager. Their journey took them to West Linn, Oregon, and finally to an area near Woodland, Washington. Their income, largely supported by state funds from Texas for their adopted children, sustained their lifestyle. However, tensions simmered beneath the surface, with the Harts distancing themselves from family due to criticism over their parenting style.
The Heart of the Family: Adoption and Public Image
Before adopting their six children, the Harts fostered a teenage girl whom they unexpectedly abandoned at a therapist's office. Their first adoption from Texas in 2006 included Abigail, Hannah, and Markis, followed by Ciera, Devonte, and Jeremiah in 2008. The children, originally from troubled homes, were meant to find solace in the Hart household. Yet, the facade of a loving family, often portrayed through Jennifer’s active social media presence, masked a much darker reality.
Devonte, the most publicly visible of the children, became famous after a 2014 photograph captured him hugging a police officer during a protest in Portland, Oregon. This image, dubbed "the hug felt 'round the world," contrasted starkly with allegations of abuse that began to surface.
The Dark Underbelly: Allegations of Abuse
Minnesota
In 2008, a teacher noticed bruises on Hannah’s arm, reportedly from Jennifer’s belt. The children were soon removed from public school. By 2010, Abigail revealed abuse, including being dunked in cold water over a perceived theft. Sarah took responsibility, resulting in a guilty plea for assault and a community service sentence. Continued allegations led to the children being homeschooled.
Oregon
When the family moved to Oregon, authorities were alerted to past abuses. Interviews revealed strict household rules, but no new incidents were uncovered. Jennifer claimed prejudice against their family dynamics as the root of their troubles.
Washington
In a chilling event in 2017, Hannah fled to a neighbor's house, pleading about abuse and racism. Devonte later confided in neighbors, leading them to report the Harts to authorities. Attempts by social services to contact the family went unanswered, with visits occurring just days before the fateful crash.
The Murders: A Calculated Act
On that tragic March day, Jennifer Hart steered their GMC Yukon XL over the cliff on California State Route 1. The vehicle plummeted onto the rocky beach below, claiming the lives of all but one visible victim—Devonte’s body remains undiscovered. Investigations revealed the SUV’s acceleration from a standstill, with a throttle at 100% at the moment of descent.
A coroner’s jury concluded unanimously that this was a murder-suicide. Jennifer was found to be over the legal alcohol limit, while Sarah and two children tested positive for diphenhydramine. Searches on Sarah’s phone included inquiries about Benadryl’s lethality and drowning, alongside queries for “no-kill shelters for dogs,” eerily hinting at their tragic end.
The Aftermath and Cultural Impact
In the aftermath, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department closed the case in 2019, confirming the grim events. Sarah had previously confided to a coworker her regrets about adopting, a haunting reminder of the burdens they carried.
The Hart family’s story reverberated through pop culture, inspiring episodes like Atlanta’s "Three Slaps" and stories such as Russell Banks’ "Homeschooling" in his 2024 novella collection, American Spirits.
Sources
For more detailed information on the Hart family murders, visit the Wikipedia article.
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...
First Adoption
The Hart family adopts three children from Texas.
Abuse Allegations Begin
A teacher reports bruises on Hannah, indicating abuse by Jennifer.
Oregon Investigation
Oregon authorities investigate abuse allegations but find no conclusive evidence.
Hannah Escapes
Hannah jumps from a window and pleads with neighbors not to return her to the Harts.
Social Services Visit
Washington State DSHS attempts to contact the Harts due to abuse reports.
Murder-Suicide
Jennifer Hart drives the family SUV off a cliff, killing herself and all six children.
Investigation Findings
Authorities confirm all six children were in the vehicle during the crash.
Inquest Verdict
A jury rules the Hart family crash a murder-suicide.
Devonte Declared Dead
A death certificate is issued for Devonte Hart, confirming he was in the vehicle.