The Tragic Case of Nathan Carman: Family Ties and Legal Battles Unfold

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The story of Nathan Carman is an unfolding tragedy that touches on themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of a multi-million dollar inheritance. This Vermont man, accused of murdering his mother at sea, ended his life in jail, leaving many questions unanswered and secrets buried with him.

Suicide and the Weight of Suspicion

When Nathan Carman died by suicide, speculation mounted that he had taken his truths to the grave. True crime author Casey Sherman posited that had Carman lived, the evidence against him might not have been sufficient for a conviction. According to Sherman, there were potentially other suspects the authorities could have explored.

“I do not think there was going to be enough evidence to convict him,” Sherman stated in an interview. “This was a no-body case. Everything was circumstantial regarding his mother’s disappearance.” He noted that investigators had failed to adequately consider how Nathan might have planned a getaway, a key detail that remained unaddressed in their inquiries.

A New Perspective on the Case

Sherman has penned a revealing book titled “Blood in the Water,” which examines not only Carman’s life but the web of dynamics within his family. The book incorporates interviews with those close to Carman, including family members and investigators. Sherman, known for his bestselling work “The Finest Hours,” has a keen eye for detail that provides a unique insight into the Carman case.

“Nathan’s final months were marked by a fierce determination to prove his innocence,” Sherman explained. In 2022, Nathan pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and first-degree murder related to the death of his mother, Linda Carman. He was awaiting trial when he was found dead in a New Hampshire jail cell, which further complicates the narrative of this tragic familial saga.

The Days Leading to Nathan’s Death

Authorities discovered Nathan unresponsive in his cell, leading to questions regarding the circumstances surrounding his suicide. His attorney, Martin Minnella, claimed Nathan appeared to be in good spirits just one day before his death, as they were actively discussing defense strategies and future meetings with case experts.

“His death shocked everyone, including his legal team. Nathan was eager for his day in court and anticipated presenting his side of the story,” Sherman elaborated. He expressed doubts about the official narrative surrounding Nathan’s suicide, noting the absence of a conventional suicide note. The reported note was, in fact, a communication to his attorneys concerning a defense lead.

A Potentially Shaky Case Against Nathan

Interviewing various investigators, Sherman noted that many believed Carman’s account of events immediately raised suspicion. Following a fishing trip in September 2016 with his mother, Nathan was found floating alone on an inflatable raft, while Linda’s body was never recovered. Prosecutors allege he planned her death, staging the incident as an accident.

“Investigators felt Nathan’s story did not hold up, especially since the location of his life raft contradicted the narrative of his mother’s apparent drowning,” Sherman detailed. They believed that if the boat sank where Nathan claimed, the natural currents would have carried him in a different direction.

Family Dynamics and Hidden Motives

The Carman family’s relationship was marked by complexity. Prosecutors claimed that Linda’s death would set the stage for Nathan to inherit an estimated $7 million, pointing to a history of financial struggles on his part. They also hinted that Linda had excluded Nathan from her will shortly before her disappearance.

“That adds a layer of intrigue. It raises the question of motive. Why would Nathan kill his mother if he stood to gain nothing?” asked Sherman. However, he points out that the truth regarding their financial arrangements remains unclear.

Linda’s need for connection with Nathan, who struggled with Asperger’s syndrome, manifested in their fishing trips, yet their relationship was strained. Their dynamic often reflected a battle for control over Nathan’s upbringing, with both David and Linda vying for what they believed was in Nathan’s best interest.

Unresolved Questions Surrounding Nathan’s Grandfather

The investigation into Nathan is further muddied by lingering questions around his grandfather, John Chakalos. An eight-count indictment hinted at Nathan’s involvement in his grandfather’s mysterious death in 2013, although the charges did not directly implicate him. Nathan has consistently denied these allegations.

Sherman introduces another layer of complexity, speculating on the relationship between Linda and her father. Linda, who struggled financially, might have felt threatened by her father’s wealth and influence. Those familiar with the family dynamics suggest a history of conflict that may have influenced the events leading up to the deaths of both Linda and John.

A Complex Portrait of Nathan Carman

As the investigation continues to unfold, Sherman believes that Nathan represents a paradox of victim and villain. He asserts that while Nathan’s actions likely contributed to the sinking of the fishing boat, they may not rise to the level of criminal negligence. According to Sherman, Nathan’s actions were misguided attempts to repair the vessel due to his lack of experience.

“Witnesses saw him drilling holes in the boat and attempting to fix them himself. They all sensed he lacked the necessary skills,” Sherman noted. He characterizes Nathan’s behavior as reflective of a young man trying to find his way, albeit with tragic consequences.

The Uncertain Legacy of Nathan Carman

Despite the legal accusations, Sherman stresses that the complexities of Nathan’s life and the unresolved questions regarding both his mother and grandfather’s deaths illustrate a deeper narrative about family, loyalty, and the sometimes tragic choices individuals make.

As the story of Nathan Carman continues to develop, it remains unclear whether the legal system would have reached a definitive verdict in his case had he lived. The nuances in this tragic tale raise critical reflections on the interplay between familial bonds, financial incentives, and human fragility.