Lakeville man guilty of two counts of first-degree murder

Oct. 20, 2026

Jack Joseph Ball, 25, of Lakeville, was found guilty of the murder of his sister, Bethany Ann Israel and her unborn child, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced.

The Honorable Bryce A.D. Ehrman issued the verdict, following a court trial in Dakota County District Court.

The case was conducted as a bifurcated trial, meaning it was tried in two phases. In the first phase of the trial, Ball pleaded guilty Jan. 21, 2026, to one count of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of premeditated first-degree murder of an unborn child. Phase two, Ball asserted a defense of mental illness but it was found that he did not meet his burden in proving the defense.

Further details regarding the circumstances of the case can be found in a previous issued media release.

Ball remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m. in Hastings.