In one of New England's most notorious murder mysteries, Nathan Carman's story has captivated and horrified many. The 22-year-old was rescued at sea in 2016 after a fishing trip with his mother, Linda Carman, ended tragically when their boat, the Chicken Pox, sank. Linda was never found, and Nathan's subsequent claims of drifting for eight days sparked suspicion and led to allegations that he may have intentionally caused the boat to sink to claim her inheritance.
On September 17, 2016, Nathan and his mother set off from Ram Point Marina in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, for what was meant to be an overnight fishing trip. Before departing, Linda texted a family friend a float plan, a precautionary measure that indicated she would return the following morning. However, when she failed to make contact, a search was launched by the U.S. Coast Guard the next day.
After an exhaustive search of 64,000 square nautical miles, Nathan was discovered eight days later, floating on an inflatable life raft, 100 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. His rescue was initially hailed as miraculous, but soon turned into a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his mother's disappearance.
Investigators began to question Nathan's account, especially in light of previous allegations concerning the 2013 murder of his grandfather, John Chakalos, a wealthy real estate developer whose death remains unsolved. Chakalos was found shot in his Windsor, Connecticut, home, and Nathan had purchased a Sig Sauer rifle weeks before the murder, claiming he lost it shortly thereafter. "There had been large sums of money in the house and other valuables, and honestly, nothing appeared to be touched," said Christopher McKee, a former lieutenant with the Windsor Police Department, highlighting the personal nature of the crime.
In the wake of Linda's disappearance, Nathan filed an $85,000 insurance claim for the loss of his boat, which was denied due to inconsistencies in his story. Oceanographer Richard Limeburner analyzed the currents in the area and determined that Nathan's reported drift path did not align with oceanographic data. "Nathan claimed he drifted eastward. That did not make any sense," Limeburner stated in a recent interview.
As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a complex family drama marked by financial struggles, mental health issues, and a fraught relationship between Nathan and his mother. Nathan, diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, had a difficult childhood and struggled with social interactions. His relationship with Linda was tumultuous, characterized by frequent fights and reconciliations.
On May 10, 2022, Nathan was indicted for his mother’s murder, but he maintained his innocence. "I think he is both a victim and a villain in his own story," said Casey Sherman, author of the upcoming book "Blood in the Water: The Untold Story of a Family Tragedy," which delves into the Carman family's troubled history. The book is set to be released on April 8, 2025, coinciding with a new episode of ABC's "20/20" titled "Family Lies?" airing on April 4, 2025.
Before Nathan could stand trial, he was found dead in his jail cell in June 2023, an apparent suicide that left many questions unanswered. His attorney, Martin Minnella, expressed disbelief that Nathan would take his own life, insisting that he was looking forward to clearing his name in court. "We’d spoken to him the night before and he was absolutely fine," Minnella stated, suggesting that Nathan's death may have been a murder rather than suicide.
As the investigation into both Linda's disappearance and Chakalos' unsolved murder continues, the Carman family saga remains a tragic and complex tale of loss, suspicion, and unresolved mysteries. Nathan's aunts attended his funeral, despite believing he was responsible for both deaths. "Nathan should be remembered as a troubled soul," said Charlene Gallagher, Chakalos' daughter and Nathan's aunt.
The case of Nathan Carman serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of family ties and the dark undercurrents that can lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. With both murders still under investigation, the truth of what happened aboard the Chicken Pox may never be fully known, leaving a legacy of unanswered questions and lingering suspicions.
