KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. – In a case that has spanned nearly seven years, three men have been convicted of murder and arson following the tragic deaths of a family of four. The verdict, announced at the Kitsap County Courthouse, declared Daniel Kelly Jr., Johnny Watson, and Robert Watson guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, and first-degree arson.
The victims, John Careaga, his wife, and two teenage stepsons, were believed to have been killed by members of the Banditos Motorcycle Club. The harrowing discovery of their bodies seven years ago shook the community, leading to a long and arduous legal process that culminated in the recent guilty verdicts.
The emotional scene outside the courthouse was filled with loved ones seeking closure and justice for the slain family. The sheer number of attendees necessitated some individuals to view the proceedings from overflow rooms within the building. Despite the significant turnout, questions lingered about the extent of the suspects’ involvement with the motorcycle club.
Law enforcement officials first became aware of the tragedy in 2017 when reports of violence within a Seabeck residence emerged. Upon extinguishing the flames that engulfed the home, investigators uncovered the bodies of Christale Careaga, Hunter Schaap, and Johnathon Higgins. A fourth victim, John Careaga, was later identified in a burned truck in Mason County.
The defendants initially maintained their innocence, but they have remained incarcerated since their arrest in 2022. Following the verdict, family members expressed a mix of relief and grief, with Ashlynn Withem, the daughter of one of the victims, acknowledging a sense of closure now that justice has been served.
As the community processes the outcome of the trial, focus shifts to the upcoming sentencing hearing, a crucial step in ensuring accountability for the heinous crimes committed. The date for the sentencing hearing is set for Tuesday, May 7, although discussions are underway with the presiding judge to potentially alter this schedule.