When a millionaire grandfather is shot in his bed and, three years later, a mother vanishes on a “freak” fishing trip with her son, investigators start to wonder if one New England family’s tragedies are really accidents—or a cold-blooded plan for a $42 million fortune.
In this episode, we unpack the suspicious death of real estate mogul John Chakalos, the sinking of the Chicken Pox with Linda Carman aboard, and the shocking downfall of their heir, Nathan Carman, whose sudden jailhouse death left the world without a trial—and without answers.
📚 SOURCES
Netflix Documentary: "The Carman Family Deaths" (2025) — A comprehensive four-part docuseries examining the suspicious deaths of John Chakalos and Linda Carman, directed by and featuring interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors, family members, and legal experts investigating the case.
Oxygen.com - "Did Nathan Carman Kill His Mom & Grandpa? Unraveling the Family Tragedies" — Features detailed investigation records, timeline of events, family interviews, and prosecutorial arguments regarding the alleged premeditated murders and inheritance scheme.
People Magazine - "Inside the Twisty True Story of 'The Carman Family Deaths'" — Comprehensive reporting on the case including details about the boat modifications, insurance claim fraud investigation, psychiatric history, witness testimony, and Nathan's life in prison before his death.
Biography.com - "Netflix's 'The Carman Family Deaths' Reveals How a Mother-Son Fishing Trip Became a Deadly Mystery" — Detailed examination of the 2016 boating incident, maritime investigation findings, evidence of sabotage, and the federal indictment.
TIME Magazine - "The Tragic True Story Behind 'The Carman Family Deaths'" — Analysis of the 2013 shooting of John Chakalos, the 2016 boating death of Linda Carman, the indictment details, and Nathan's suicide in prison before trial.
ABC News - "Why Nathan Carman, Suspected in His Mother's Murder, Remains a Complex Figure" — Features Coast Guard investigations, insurance fraud evidence, witness testimony about boat modifications, and legal arguments surrounding the case.
Boston Magazine - "The Chilling Case of Nathan Carman's Deadly Fishing Trip" — In-depth reporting on John Chakalos's murder scene, the investigation timeline, recovered evidence from Nathan's apartment, and details about the grandfather's evening before his death.
Connecticut Insider - "'One Big Greek Tragedy': Netflix Film Details Nathan Carman's Alleged Killing of CT Mother at Sea" — Coverage of the indictment, fraudulent insurance claim details, psychiatric background, and Nathan's jail cell suicide.
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