The Carman Family Deaths: Netflix Documentary Explores Mystery

The Netflix documentary The Carman Family Deaths, released on November 19, 2025, has thrust the complex and tragic saga of Nathan Carman back into the spotlight. This gripping true crime story involves the suspicious deaths of Nathan's grandfather and mother, leaving investigators, family members, and viewers grappling with unanswered questions about motive, guilt, and mental health.

A Double Tragedy

The story begins in December 2013, when Nathan's 87-year-old grandfather, John Chakalos—a wealthy real estate developer worth an estimated $42 million—was fatally shot at close range in his Windsor, Connecticut home. Nathan was the last person seen with him. Three years later, in September 2016, Nathan and his mother, Linda Carman, set sail on Nathan's boat, Chicken Pox, for what was supposed to be an overnight fishing trip. When Linda failed to check in the next day, a massive Coast Guard search was launched. Eight days later, Nathan was found adrift alone in a life raft about 100 miles south of Martha's Vineyard, but Linda's body was never recovered.

"If I hadn’t asked my mom to go fishing with me that weekend, she would still be alive with me today."
— Nathan Carman to ABC News

The Investigation and Allegations

Prosecutors suspected Nathan of both murders, alleging he killed John and Linda to accelerate his inheritance. Key evidence included Nathan purchasing a SIG Sauer rifle weeks before John's murder (the murder weapon was never found) and discarding his hard drive and GPS the morning after the killing. Nathan, diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, maintained his innocence, though he admitted feeling "somewhat responsible" for his mother's death.

The boat sinking raised further questions. Investigators noted Nathan left bait in his truck instead of loading it, and he sailed to Block Canyons—60-70 miles offshore—a dangerous route for an inexperienced boater. Oceanographers later disputed Nathan's claim that the boat drifted eastward, suggesting currents would have carried it in the opposite direction.

Family Dynamics and Mental Health

The documentary delves into the Carman family's fractured dynamics. Nathan's father, Clark, revealed Nathan struggled with autism from age 4 and isolated himself after the death of his beloved horse. Linda's friend and sister alleged John resisted Nathan's treatment, straining family relationships. Nathan's lawyer even suggested Linda may have harbored murderous intentions toward her father, citing a text where she expressed violent anger.

The Aftermath and Unresolved Questions

In May 2022, Nathan was arrested for Linda's murder. He awaited trial until his death by suicide in prison in 2023, leading to the dismissal of all charges. The Netflix film revisits pivotal moments: Nathan's disputed alibi for John's murder (a witness claimed shots were fired at 2 a.m., when Nathan claimed to be en route to meet Linda), Linda's missing remains, and Nathan's contradictory statements.

As viewers watch The Carman Family Deaths, the documentary leaves them to ponder: Did Nathan commit these crimes for fortune? Was mental illness a factor? Or were there other forces at play? With no trial and Nathan gone, the truth remains elusive, making this case one of true crime's most haunting modern mysteries.

Why This Story Resonates

The documentary's exploration of wealth, family loyalty, and mental illness has captivated audiences. By presenting new evidence and perspectives—including Nathan's emotional admissions and the family's internal conflicts—it forces viewers to confront the gaps between perception and reality in high-stakes criminal investigations.