$100K Raised In 1 Week For Mom Of 3 Kids Drowned By Dad: Officials

Grayslake IL

21 June, 2022

3:19 PM

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ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL — A fundraiser set up for the Round Lake Beach mom who found her three young children dead in a bed in their father's home last week has brought in more than $100,000. The GoFundMe had a $100,000 goal, which was reached in a week and is meant to cover funeral expenses for the children. Authorities say the children, who have been identified as Bryan Anthony Karels, 5, Cassidy Rose Karels, 3, and Gideon Locke Karels, 2, were drowned in a bathtub by their father, Jason Karels, 35, of Round Lake Beach. Bail has been set at $10 million for Karels who faces three counts of first-degree homicide. During an initial court hearing last week, prosecutors told the court how Karels admitted to drowning the children one at a time in the tub at his home, and, after they were dead, left a note for his estranged wife that read, "If I can't have them neither can you." The GoFundMe funds will also help provide financial stability for the children's mother, who is the estranged wife of Karels. 'If I Can't Have Them, Neither Can You:' Round Lake Beach Man's Letter "With no home, no car in her name, no income for any foreseeable future, and mounting expenses, we hope the money raised can be used to offset the financial anxiety of figuring out how to get by in a world that has taken everything from her, while allowing her to focus on her own healing and strength," according to the GoFundMe. Donations can be made via GoFundMe