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Netflix Documentary Revives Scrutiny of Unsolved Carman Family Deaths

The film renews attention on unresolved cases, with no new charges since Nathan Carman died in jail in 2023.

Overview

  • Released Nov. 19, The Carman Family Deaths compiles interviews, court records, and letters that detail investigators’ suspicions, including an email Nathan Carman sent about inheritance before his grandfather was killed.
  • New coverage highlights a detail omitted from the film: court filings and relatives say John Chakalos, 87, had a 25-year-old girlfriend, with one aunt contending Nathan was angered by the affair; no one has been charged in Chakalos’ 2013 homicide.
  • Insurance filings reiterated their conclusion that the 2016 boat sinking was intentional, alleging Nathan removed trim tabs and left holes in the hull before filing an $85,000 claim that was later denied.
  • A 2022 federal indictment charged Nathan with his mother Linda’s murder on the high seas and alleged he killed Chakalos in 2013 as part of a scheme to obtain money; Nathan pleaded not guilty and died by suicide in 2023, ending the criminal case.
  • Probate litigation continues as Linda’s sisters pursue a slayer action to bar inheritance, while records note Nathan earlier received roughly $550,000 after his grandfather’s death and was projected to receive more as Linda’s heir.