Netflix Documentary Explores Tragic Deaths in the Carman Family

A new true crime documentary, The Carman Family Deaths, released on Netflix, delves into the tragic events surrounding the Carman family, including the murder of real estate developer John Chakalos and the mysterious disappearance of his daughter, Linda Carman. The documentary examines the events leading to these tragedies, including the implications for his grandson, Nathan Carman.

In 2013, John Chakalos, 87, was found shot dead in his home. His death, ruled a homicide, occurred just three years before Linda went missing during a fishing trip with Nathan off the coast of Rhode Island in September 2016. While the Coast Guard undertook an extensive search covering over 62,000 nautical square miles, it was ultimately called off after several days. Eight days later, a freighter located Nathan adrift in an inflatable raft, with reports stating he had managed to survive by utilizing emergency food packs and signaling for help.

The public initially responded with sympathy, particularly after learning of Nathan’s struggle with Asperger’s Syndrome, now classified under Autism Spectrum Disorder. His survival story quickly garnered media attention. However, skepticism grew as further details about both Nathan’s physical condition after eight days at sea and the circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s murder came to light.

In the documentary, John is portrayed as a controlling and sometimes volatile figure, impacting his relationships with his daughters, including Linda. Friends and family described a troubled dynamic, with Linda reportedly receiving a monthly allowance from a trust established by her father, whose estate was valued at over $42 million. Nathan was said to have had a close relationship with his grandfather, who reportedly believed that interventions for Nathan’s autism were unwarranted.

Following John’s murder, Nathan became a person of interest. Investigators uncovered an email Nathan sent to his grandfather’s estate attorney, inquiring who would need to die for him to inherit funds. The investigation also revealed that a rifle, which Nathan had initially denied owning, was found at the crime scene. Although Nathan had an alibi for the time of the murder, public scrutiny intensified when he received a significant insurance payout following John’s death.

The Carman family’s tragedy deepened after Linda’s disappearance. Nathan later filed an insurance claim for his sunken boat, which drew further investigation. Witnesses reported seeing him working on the boat prior to the incident, suggesting potential tampering. In 2022, Nathan faced indictment for Linda’s murder, with the indictment also referencing his grandfather’s death, although he was not charged in that case.

Nathan’s life took a tragic turn when he took his own life while incarcerated, awaiting trial, on June 15, 2023. Following his death, all charges against him were dismissed. Meanwhile, Linda was officially declared dead in 2023, with her body never recovered.

The documentary The Carman Family Deaths is now available for streaming on Netflix, shedding light on a family beset by tragedy and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. For those seeking support, individuals in the United States can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit the 988 Lifeline website.