Nathan Carman Murder Case: From Sea Rescue to Federal Indictment

Nathan Carman was found alive after seven days lost at sea in 2016. His mother, Linda Carman, vanished on that fishing trip and was never found. Federal prosecutors later accused him of her murder.

The case involved a $42 million inheritance and another family tragedy. This complex story is now the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

The Mysterious Disappearance at Sea

Nathan and his mother Linda set off from Rhode Island on September 17, 2016. They planned an overnight fishing trip on his boat, the Chicken Pox. Nathan reported the boat began taking on water and sank.

He was found eight days later by a cargo ship. He was drifting 100 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. According to Coast Guard accounts, he was in surprisingly good health.

Coast Guard investigator Eric Gempp expressed skepticism. He noted the rarity of such a recovery in his 26-year career. Nathan’s mother was never located and is presumed dead.

A History of Family Tragedy and Suspicion

The sea incident was not the first tragedy in the Carman family. Nathan’s grandfather, John Chakalos, was murdered in 2013. The real estate developer was found shot in his Connecticut home.

Authorities suspected Nathan in that case but never charged him. Prosecutors later alleged both deaths were linked to inheritance. John Chakalos had left a $42 million estate.

In 2022, a federal indictment charged Nathan with murdering his mother. It also detailed fraud charges related to an insurance claim on his sunken boat. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Netflix documentary about this case?

The Carman Family Deaths on Netflix explores the mysterious deaths surrounding Nathan Carman. It details his sea rescue and the subsequent murder charges. The documentary features interviews and official evidence.

Was Nathan Carman ever charged with his grandfather’s murder?

No, he was never arrested or charged for John Chakalos’ death. However, the 2022 federal indictment presented evidence linking him to the crime. That case remains officially unsolved.

What happened to Nathan Carman’s murder case?

Nathan died in custody in June 2023 before his trial could begin. His father confirmed the death was by suicide. The charges were subsequently dropped posthumously.

How did authorities believe Nathan sank his boat?

Prosecutors alleged he deliberately altered the vessel to sink. They claimed he removed two forward bulkheads and trim tabs. A federal judge ruled he contributed to the sinking when denying an insurance claim.

Why was Nathan’s sea rescue considered suspicious?

Investigators noted his unusually good physical condition after a week at sea. He showed no signs of dehydration or hypothermia. The Coast Guard investigator believed he was only in the life raft for hours, not days.