Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode: BONUS: Father Knows Death (Accident, Suicide, or Murder)

Host/Author: Oxygen

Introduction

In this gripping bonus episode of "Snapped: Women Who Murder," Oxygen delves into the harrowing story of Carl Carlson, a man whose actions led to the tragic deaths of both his wife and son. Spanning nearly three decades, this case intertwines elements of deceit, suspicion, and relentless pursuit of justice.

Background: The Carlson Family

Carl Carlson was married to Christina Carlson, and together they had three children: Erin, Levi, and Katie. In 1991, a devastating house fire claimed Christina's life, marking the beginning of a dark journey that would later implicate Carl in another tragedy.

The First Tragedy: Christina Carlson's Death

[02:02] The episode begins with a narration of the family's loss when a fire engulfed their home in Murphy's, California. Carl Carlson managed to save his three children but tragically failed to rescue his wife, Christina.

• [06:04] Carl Carlson: "At that time, he tries to save Christina, but the thickness of the fire stops him from being able to access the hallway where he could save his wife."

Suspicious Circumstances:

• The house was an old miner's bunkhouse with inadequate heating systems.
• [07:03] Fire officials noted that the deepest char was near the bathroom door, where Christina was found.
• [07:42] The window to Christina's bathroom was boarded up from the inside with heavy nails, preventing her escape.
• A strong odor of kerosene was detected near the bathroom, raising questions about its presence and possible role in the fire's ignition.

Family's Doubts:

Christina's family began to suspect foul play due to the combination of the boarded window and the kerosene spill.

• [09:16] Carl Carlson: "On its face, it looks like it could be an accident, but when someone dies, the default is to consider it suspicious until you know better."

Despite their suspicions, the authorities initially ruled Christina's death as an accident in March 1991 due to insufficient evidence.

The Second Tragedy: Levi Carlson's Death

[20:31] Seventeen years after Christina's death, in 2008, tragedy struck again when Carl's son, Levi Carlson, was killed in a workplace accident involving a truck collapsing on him.

• [23:16] Carl Carlson: "The truck fell on my stepson Cindy."

Investigation and Initial Rulings:

• Levi's death was swiftly classified as an accident, with no autopsy conducted.
• [27:05] The case was closed, leaving the family with unanswered questions and deep grief.

Family's Growing Suspicion:

Christina's family couldn't shake the feeling that Carl was involved in Levi's death as well.

• [27:43] "I felt really bad, but I didn't think it was an accident. I thought, it's happened again. It looked like Carl could get away with murder a second time."

Connecting the Cases: Reopening the Investigation

[28:22] In February 2012, a pivotal breakthrough occurred when Jackie Jaimal, a cousin of Levi, contacted investigators with allegations that Carl had a history of suspicious deaths.

• [29:27] Jackie revealed that Carl had taken out significant life insurance policies prior to both Christina's and Levi's deaths, with Carl being the sole beneficiary.

Insurance Fraud Exposed:

• [31:01] Investigators uncovered that Carl had secured life insurance payouts of approximately $215,000 after Christina's death and over $700,000 before Levi's death.

Cindy Carlson's Testimony:

• [32:34] Cindy, Levi's mother and Carl's second wife, described Carl as emotionally abusive and revealed that Carl had confessed to her about killing Levi to benefit from the insurance money.

The Arrest and Conviction

[35:09] Armed with Cindy's cooperation, investigators orchestrated a strategic interview with Carl.

• [36:19] Carl Carlson: "Why would you do that? What parent considers the death of their child an opportunity?"

During this intense interrogation, Carl initially denied involvement but eventually admitted to pushing the truck onto Levi, leading to his arrest.

Charges and Sentencing:

• [41:10] Carl was indicted on two counts of second-degree murder and insurance fraud.
• [41:26] Facing a plea deal, Carl conceded to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

Justice for Christina Carlson

[42:07] Despite Carl's conviction for Levi's death, questions lingered about Christina's tragic demise. Determined to seek full justice, investigators revisited the original fire case in California.

Reconstruction of the Fire:

• [43:59] New forensic evidence indicated that a fresh pour of kerosene was deliberately placed near the bathroom just before the fire, contradicting the accidental fire theory.

Formal Charges:

• [45:36] In 2020, nearly 29 years after Christina's death, Carl was extradited back to Calaveras County to face first-degree murder charges.

Final Verdict:

• [46:15] A jury found Carl Carlson guilty of first-degree murder for Christina's death, sentencing him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Tragedy

Carl Carlson's actions not only shattered his own family but also served as a chilling reminder of how trust can be manipulated for personal gain. The relentless efforts of Christina's family and dedicated investigators ultimately brought closure to two decades-long mysteries, ensuring that Carl Carlson would no longer evade justice.

• [47:25] Christina's Family Member: "Carl Carlson was an evil man doing evil deeds."

Reflecting on Justice Served

After years of pain and uncertainty, Christina's family found solace in Carl's conviction. Their unwavering pursuit of the truth underscores the profound impact of determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.

• [46:24] Christina's Family Member: "When you heard it, it was finally the end of a journey. Took 30 years to accomplish, but we got the result we wanted."

Notable Quotes

• [07:03] Carl Carlson: "Well, she couldn't get out."
• [11:47] Expert/Analyst: "The autopsy report is telling us that Christina Carlson died from smoke inhalation. And it shows that we have a death caused by the results of a fire, but it doesn't give us clear direction whether this death is an accidental death or it is a homicide."
• [33:12] Expert/Analyst: "Carl took him to the insurance agent. Carl paid cash for the policy, and Carl was the sole beneficiary of that policy."
• [35:50] Expert/Analyst: "What's going on? The truck's now on my stepson and I don't think he's alive."
• [37:05] Expert/Analyst: "Ultimately, Carl doesn't come out and give us the direct confession that we want, but he gives us enough of an admission that it is time that we now pick up Carl Carlson and we bring him to the Seneca County Sheriff's Office for an interview."

Key Takeaways

• Persistence Matters: The tenacity of Christina's family and investigators was crucial in uncovering the truth behind both deaths.
• Insurance as a Motive: Significant life insurance payouts were a driving factor in Carl Carlson's alleged crimes.
• Long Road to Justice: It took nearly three decades to secure justice for Christina Carlson's death, highlighting challenges in cold case investigations.

Final Thoughts

"Father Knows Death" serves as a powerful narrative on the complexities of domestic crimes and the enduring pursuit of truth. Oxygen's detailed recounting ensures that listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the events, motivations, and eventual justice meted out in this tragic saga.

Timestamp Reference: The summary incorporates key moments from the episode, marked with their respective timestamps, to provide context and highlight significant statements made by involved parties.