Round Lake Beach man pleads to killing his 3 children

The Round Lake Beach man, who authorities said killed his three young children because he was angry about the end of his marriage, pleaded “guilty but mentally ill” to first-degree murder Friday.

Jason Karels, 36, will receive an automatic sentence of natural life in prison when he is formally sentenced in February, according to Lake County prosecutors.

Karels was charged with drowning his children — who were ages 2, 3, and 5 — on June 13, 2022, in a bathtub at his home. He left a note reading, “If I can’t have them, neither can you,” to his wife, who was ending their marriage, authorities said.

Their mother discovered the bodies of Bryant, 5, Cassidy, 3, and Gideon, 2, at the father’s home on Camden Lane. The children had stayed there the previous night, police said.

Karels was taken into custody later that day after leading police on a chase in the south suburbs.

His estranged wife, Debra, told reporters in June 2022 that she believed Jason Karels was suffering from mental illness, but would not seek treatment.

“My children were absolutely amazing. They were three beautiful little souls that didn’t deserve this,” she said.

Lake County prosecutors said they consulted with the family, and several family members were in court for Friday’s hearing.

“This case has devastated the Round Lake Beach community and beyond. We hope that today’s resolution provides some measure of closure, and we will continue to provide support to the family,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.

Round Lake Beach police issued a statement Friday thanking prosecutors and officers from many police departments who helped investigate the crime

“Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of the victims and the rest of our community affected by this senseless tragedy,” police said. “While nothing can bring these wonderful children back, we hope this outcome will give the family and loved ones some closure.”

Karels will be formally sentenced on Feb. 16.

By law, he must receive a sentence of natural life in prison.