Nathan Carman’s Tragic Journey: Mother and Grandfather Deaths Explored

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Nathan Carman, accused of murdering his mother and grandfather, faced intense scrutiny over his family’s tragic deaths. Nathan first gained public attention in September 2016 after he was discovered adrift in a life raft following the sinking of his boat, Chicken Pox, off the coast of Rhode Island. His mother, Linda Carman, 54, was on board but never found.

Eight days after the boat sank, Nathan was rescued, having survived alone at sea. His tale initially was one of survival, but investigators soon turned their focus to him as a suspect in both his mother’s and grandfather’s deaths. Nathan was charged in May 2022 with Linda’s murder and fraud related to the death of his grandfather, John Chakalos, a wealthy real estate developer who was killed in December 2013.

Authorities alleged that Nathan sought to gain access to his family’s estate, valued at approximately $42 million. Prosecutors claimed Nathan intentionally sank the boat to cover his involvement in Linda’s death. “What I have to deal with is enough,” he stated in his defense, maintaining his innocence throughout.

Linda’s body has never been recovered, and Nathan’s arrest came nearly six years after her disappearance. During her fishing trip with Nathan, the plan changed last minute, and they went to a more dangerous area offshore. When questioned by investigators, Nathan provided a detailed account of events but raised suspicion when he claimed not to have called for help as the boat began to sink.

Police found alleged contradictory evidence, including the discovery of a SIG Sauer rifle purchase made weeks before his grandfather’s murder. Nathan initially denied owning a firearm but later claimed it was lost. The inconsistencies and his seemingly calm demeanor during questioning were cited by investigators as suspicious.

With time, the Carman family dynamics became increasingly complex. Nathan was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, complicating perceptions of his behavior during investigations. Family members described tensions with John, who reportedly did not accept Nathan’s condition. As legal battles ensued, Nathan was alienated from his relatives, and his mental health reportedly deteriorated.

Tragically, Nathan Carman died by suicide on June 15, 2023, days before his scheduled trial. Following his death, all charges against him were dismissed, leaving many questions about the unresolved cases of Linda and John’s deaths. Nathan’s story, now gaining renewed attention with the Netflix documentary ‘The Carman Family Deaths’, continues to raise debates on justice, mental health, and family loyalty.