John Carter was desperate to find his missing fiancée, Katelyn Markham, who disappeared in 2011. Over the years, he provided information to police, spoke to the media, and insisted on her return. However, more than a decade after her remains were found, Carter was charged with murder in her death. Before his trial, he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, receiving a three-year prison sentence.
Prosecutors pursued charges against Carter and eventually agreed to the plea deal to secure an admission of guilt for Markham’s death. Markham’s father, Dave, initially struggled with the deal but ultimately accepted that it was the best option to ensure Carter faced consequences for his actions.
Details emerged that challenged Carter’s alibi, including eyewitness accounts of strange activity near his home on the night of Markham’s disappearance. Investigators also found disturbing poems in Carter’s journal, hinting at a possible motive for the crime. Despite the lack of direct evidence linking Carter to Markham’s death, prosecutors believed the circumstantial evidence was enough to secure a conviction.
Prosecutors ultimately accepted the plea deal to ensure Carter admitted responsibility for Markham’s death. While many questions remain unanswered, including the cause of death and Markham’s actions leading up to her disappearance, Gmoser felt that getting Carter to admit guilt was the most important outcome.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com