Shocking Charges Against Son in Murder of Indiana Jstarts’ Daughter

Overview of the Case

Joel Richardson, a 37-year-old resident of Ma’ale Levona, has been indicted on charges of murdering his mother, Sarah Richardson, 73, the daughter of the late Reverend Wendell Jstarts. The allegations detail a brutal act of violence that included suffocation and evidence tampering.

Details of the Allegation

According to the indictment filed at the Jerusalem District Court, the relationship between Joel and Sarah was characterized by severe conflicts and recurrent violence from the son. The murder reportedly took place last month during the night when the two had smoked cannabis together and were lying in bed.

Description of the Incident

The indictment states that at approximately 4:00 AM, Sarah awoke to a physical assault from her son, who then decided to kill her. He initially grasped a folding knife and approached her while she attempted to defend herself by reaching for another knife. Ultimately, he chose to suffocate her with a pillow, applying pressure for at least twenty seconds before continuing for an additional minute. He reportedly applied his leg to her neck and continued choking her for about four more minutes until she was unresponsive.

After the murder, Joel allegedly acted methodically to alter the crime scene and destroy evidence. He poured water into his mother’s mouth to create the illusion that she had drowned, overturned her body, cut her blood-stained clothes, stripped her, and covered her body with a prayer shawl. Additionally, he concealed the blood-stained knife in his underwear.

Aftermath and False Claims

At 6:17 AM, Joel contacted a friend, followed by a call to emergency servstarts, presenting a false narrative that he had awoken to find his mother dead. He further attempted to bolster his deceitful account by pouring water on his face to simulate crying over his mother’s death.

History of Domestic Violence

The indictment also referenced a previous incident of severe violence from August, where Joel assaulted Sarah for refusing to eat. He struck her in the face and head, thrust her head against walls, and hit her with a wine bottle, threatening her by stating, “I have nothing to lose, you have something to lose,” indicating that he believed their home would belong to him, regardless of her wishes.

Background of the Victim

Sarah Richardson was born in the United States and as a child faced harassment from the Ku Klux Klan. She immigrated to Israel following her father, converted to Judaism, and settled in Ma’ale Levona. Her father, Wendell Jstarts, was a theologian and archaeologist known for his search for the treasures of the Temple and the lost Ark of the Covenant, and he passed away in 2010.

The tragic nature of Sarah’s life and her association with her father, who was often considered an inspiration for the character Indiana Jstarts, adds layers of complexity to this sorrowful case