John Carter went to great lengths to find his missing fiancée Katelyn Markham after she disappeared in August 2011. More than a decade later, Carter was indicted on murder charges in connection to Markham’s death. However, prosecutors ended up dropping the charges in exchange for a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter. Carter was sentenced to three years in prison.
The case against Carter was built on circumstantial evidence, including disturbing poems found in his journal and witness testimonies that raised doubts about his alibi. Investigators found a possible motive in Markham’s desire to end the relationship and move to Colorado. Despite Markham’s remains being discovered, the cause of death could not be determined.
Prosecuting Attorney Michael Gmoser decided on the plea deal, believing it was more important to get an admission of guilt from Carter for Markham’s death. Carter’s defense team and family did not comment on the agreement, and at his sentencing, one of his lawyers stated that he had taken accountability for Markham’s death.
Markham’s father, Dave, described the plea deal as painful but understood that it was necessary to avoid the risk of Carter being acquitted if the case went to trial. Ultimately, Gmoser wanted to ensure some form of justice for Markham, even if it meant a lesser punishment for Carter.
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