KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. – In Kitsap County, three men have been convicted of murder and arson in connection with the deaths of a family of four nearly seven years ago. Daniel Kelly Jr., Johnny Watson, and Robert Watson were found guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree premeditated murder and arson, following the announcement of the verdict at the Kitsap County Courthouse Friday afternoon.
The victims, John Careaga, his wife, and two teenage stepsons, were allegedly killed by members of the Banditos Motorcycle Club, according to investigators. The tragic incident came to light in February 2017, when authorities received a report of violence at a home in Seabeck. The discovery of the bodies of Christale Careaga, Hunter Schaap, Johnathon Higgins, and John Careaga followed, marking a devastating loss for their loved ones.
Despite the suspects initially pleading not guilty, the trio has remained in custody since their arrest in June 2022. The emotional weight of the trial was tangible as families and supporters crowded the courthouse halls to hear the verdict, with many forced to witness the proceedings from overflow rooms. The closure brought by the guilty verdicts was a bittersweet moment for those seeking justice for the victims.
Following the announcement, emotional reactions poured in from family members of the deceased. Ashlynn Withem, the daughter of one of the victims, expressed a sense of relief and closure at seeing the perpetrators brought to justice. Similarly, John Higgins, father of one of the teenage victims, shared his gratitude for the resolution, stating that his family could finally find peace knowing that justice had been served.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the impending sentencing hearing looms. Scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, at 9 a.m., the hearing promises to be a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. Discussions are underway among attorneys and the judge regarding a potential alteration of the sentencing date, underscoring the ongoing legal complexities surrounding this case.