UPDATE: Jarka to be sentenced
Kelle Lee Jarka • Jehovah’s Witness • Murder
Jarka case:
Murrieta man expected to be sentenced Friday for murder of wife
During the trial, prosecutor Burke Strunsky described Jarka as a man so enamored with his upper-middle-class lifestyle and position within his congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, that he was willing to sacrifice the life of his loving wife to maintain it.
A Murrieta man convicted of murdering his longtime wife and making the killing look like it was done by an intruder is scheduled to be sentenced Friday and faces a lifetime in prison with no chance of parole.
Kelle Lee Jarka, 41 at the time of his trial, was convicted by a jury that deliberated about two hours in September before deciding he murdered his wife, Isabelle, at the family’s home and that the killing was for financial gain.
Prosecutors successfully argued Jarka, who was having financial problems, wanted to collect $1.3 million in life insurance on a policy he had taken out on his wife of nearly 20 years.
During the trial, prosecutor Burke Strunsky described Jarka as a man so enamored with his upper-middle-class lifestyle and position within his congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, that he was willing to sacrifice the life of his loving wife to maintain it.
Jarka was teetering on financial ruin and social disgrace at the time of Isabelle’s death, the prosecutor said. His Tamarisk Street home was being foreclosed on, bills were piling up, Isabelle was talking about divorcing him and she’d told another church elder that Jarka had erred by keeping secret about a friend dying of AIDS.
Defense attorney Erin Kirkpatrick told jurors Kelle Jarka was a peaceful man and a loving husband who did not kill his wife. Kirkpatrick said the Jarka’s finances were unstable, but their fiscal picture was not dire. Jarka had just taken his wife to see a home under construction in the hills of DeLuz and announced he wanted to buy it for their family.
Despite the best efforts of Murrieta police, she said, there was no physical evidence linking her client to Isabelle’s brutal death.
Isabelle Jarka suffered almost a dozen blows to her head with a blunt object resulting in a fracture to her skull and injuries to her brain, Dr. Joseph Cohen testified. The doctor could not establish a time of death nor could he say with certainty what object delivered the fatal blows.
Given the verdict, the judge will have little leeway when sentencing Jarka, unless the defense can convince the court to toss out the jury’s decision or determine there are extenuating circumstances that would allow for a modification of the term. The hearing will allow the victim’s family and Jarka to address the court.
Since the verdict, a Web site supporting Jarka has been soliciting donations and trying to show that he was wrongly convicted. The site, which indicates is “dedicated to the Kelle Jarka and his defense against the false charges against him,” claims that police and prosecutors convicted the wrong man. It also accuses Murrieta police officers of lying during the trial and that investigators overlooked evidence because they had made of their minds that Kelle had committed the crimes.
The sentencing is scheduled to take place at the Southwest Justice Center near Murrieta.
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I watched most of the 20/20 segment. My question is did he really say at his sentencing hearing that he was going to miss his wife’s smile, touch, laugh, smell, and never seeing her again? If he did say that he would never see her again, as reported in the piece, then that would lead me to think he did kill her and that he knew that Jehovah would not allow him to be in the NW when she is resurrected. Surely an innocent JW would have said that he looked forward to seeing her in the resurrection. If he is guilty I hope that he remembers that Jehovah can forgive this if he truely is repentant. After all David killed more that Uriah and Manassah killed thousands but they were forgiven when they truely were sorry for their actions.
New Update:
http://jehovahs-witness-news.blogspot.com/2009/11/jehovah-witnesses-jarka-canchola-murder.html
I watched a program on 2020 last night about Kelley Jarka. To me personally I think he is innocent
Because there was absolutely no trace evidence found on him , no blood in the sinks or on his person or clothes.The other thing was the way he was questioned by trying to force him to admit his guilt,when he said he did not do it. The prosecutors also blew his financial situation out of proportion. I do not know this man personally and yes he did by life insurance about 3 weeks prior to her death,however this could be a coincidence and there still might be a murderer still out there somewhere.Any way you look at this it is a very sad situation and when something like this does has the first thing media always bring out being a Jehovah’s Witness. When other murders happen they never say he was catholic,or protestant etc.
Any way you look at this only our creator Jehovah knows the truth.
The defense attorney said that his financial situation was not as dire as the prosecution said, but it did show a letter sent by the bank saying they were at risk of foreclosure, being behind by a couple of mortgage payments. That may or may not be dire, depending on the person. The sad reality is that most murders will not be done in the sight of others, the murderer will get rid of the weapon, clothing worn and so forth. Actually, it concerns me that he had no blood at all on him. To touch your spouse that you love, to check to make sure they were dead, you would get some blood on you. There was a paint chip on his car from the broken door frame that was busted open, which wouldn’t have been on his car if he wasn’t there. Also, all the ways to kill someone, how long is appropriate to remarry, etc. from searches on their computer. When asked by 20/20 who could have done those searches, he alludes to his wife as being the one that must have done that. I’m sorry, but the one who ends up murdered is not the one who is searching how to kill a mate through different means. For him to even suggest his wife, is infuriating to me. I know no-one knows if he did or didn’t kill his wife, but someone was searching on the home computer how to kill by different means and it is not reasonable to believe the one who ends up dead was the one doing those searches. He said his wife wanted the life insurance policies and didn’t know for sure where she had them, yet they had his fingerprints on them, not hers. If it was someone else who came in, the police said all the drawers being pulled out was odd along w/obvious things left behind and not taken along w/$500.00 in a drawer, that it looked staged, not a real theft. Then the mother-in-law immediately thought it was her son-in-law as her daughter had spoke to her previously about moving in w/her parents. All that she and her husband were going through we do not know. Obviously things must have been difficult for the daughter to talk to her mother about her and the kids moving in w/her parents. They did show that the couple had a boat, two SUV’s and truck a lived in a nice neighborhood. Were they going through financial difficulties? Our lesson today as has been what we hear from the FDS over and over, and that is to keep our eye simple, that the pursuing of such things originates not w/God, but w/the world, for the “time left is reduced.” Nothing is hidden from Jehovah, if he is innocent, then Jehovah will has his eye upon him, but if he is guilty, he would be wise to admit his guilt and seek Jehovah’s forgiveness immediately.
The beauty of serving the only true God is the fact that everything is in HIS hands. As 2 Peter forewarned us, in the last days there would be individuals among us that would “disown even the owner that bought them” and as a result “the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively”
However, if this individual is truly innocent then he has nothing to worry about because “Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off”. Although the very thought that a brother, an Elder whom Jehovah had entrusted with the care of his sheep, is quite shocking…..the Faithful Slave has been telling us the importance of drawing close to Jehovah and making him your confidence and strong-hold.
(see article *** w08 8/15 p. 7 Maintain Loyalty With a Unified Heart *** par.8-18…”An Old Prophet Deceived Him”
(2 Peter 2:1-22)
However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among YOU. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. Furthermore, many will follow their acts of loose conduct, and on account of these the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. Also, with covetousness they will exploit YOU with counterfeit words. But as for them, the judgment from of old is not moving slowly, and the destruction of them is not slumbering. Certainly if God did not hold back from punishing the angels that sinned, but, by throwing them into Tar′ta‧rus, delivered them to pits of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment; 5 and he did not hold back from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a deluge upon a world of ungodly people; and by reducing the cities Sod′om and Go‧mor′rah to ashes he condemned them, setting a pattern for ungodly persons of things to come; and he delivered righteous Lot, who was greatly distressed by the indulgence of the law-defying people in loose conduct— for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds— Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off, 10 especially, however, those who go on after flesh with the desire to defile [it] and who look down on lordship. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble at glorious ones but speak abusively, whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, [not doing so] out of respect for Jehovah. But these [men], like unreasoning animals born naturally to be caught and destroyed, will, in the things of which they are ignorant and speak abusively, even suffer destruction in their own [course of] destruction, wronging themselves as a reward for wrongdoing. They consider luxurious living in the daytime a pleasure. They are spots and blemishes, indulging with unrestrained delight in their deceptive teachings while feasting together with YOU. They have eyes full of adultery and unable to desist from sin, and they entice unsteady souls. They have a heart trained in covetousness. They are accursed children. Abandoning the straight path, they have been misled. They have followed the path of Ba′laam, [the son] of Be′or, who loved the reward of wrongdoing, but got a reproof for his own violation of what was right. A voiceless beast of burden, making utterance with the voice of a man, hindered the prophet’s mad course. These are fountains without water, and mists driven by a violent storm, and for them the blackness of darkness has been reserved. For they utter swelling expressions of no profit, and by the desires of the flesh and by loose habits they entice those who are just escaping from people who conduct themselves in error. While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are existing as slaves of corruption. For whoever is overcome by another is enslaved by this one. Certainly if, after having escaped from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, the final conditions have become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it accurately to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. The saying of the true proverb has happened to them: “The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire.”
Clearly this matter has concerned us all. However, more than all else Jehovah’s name has been reproached yet again and we can all go to Jehovah in pray and ask Him that He clear His name by allowing the truth in this case to be revealed without a shadow of a doubt. One way or the other it will be by His hand and He will be vindicated if He so chooses. The pain the innocents are suffering is beyond immagination and our prays should be steadfast and constant to include these ones. Pray is our only true recorse as we continue to all of suffer toward the end of all injustice. Please Brothers and Sisters Pray for all involved but most importantly for Jehovah’s name to be cleared.
http://jehovahs-witness-news.blogspot.com/2009/11/jehovah-witnesses-jarka-canchola-murder.html
Can you imagine the effect this is having on the people in that congregations’ territory? It must have made going out in service very difficult. I remember a boss throwing up to me everything that Michael Jackson was doing just before he left the congregation.
Sandra, I agree with you. I am glad Jehovah has helped to solve this case, because sometimes, unfortunately, people forget the fact that Jehovah knows everything, and we cannot keep any secret before His eyes. I am so sad that his wife had to die for him to be exposed. I have no doubts that Jehovah will help their kids and the congregation.
I am somber about the whole ordeal. My heart goes out to the families and congregations involved and I do pray that Jehovah’s spirit comforts.
I looked for other crimes such as this and it appeares to be the same, uh formula. What else I did see is about 12 that was found innocent after several years, one 20+ years. Not suprising. Also, I am not inferring guilt or innocents of this man.
I believe Sandra hit the nail on the head when she stated, “Jehovah’s court is where all justice will truly be applied.”
In my research I found many jaded comments about this worlds justice or injustice. That shows me that there are people out ther that still hunger for True justice.
I do believe that Jehovah, our God is a victim, in a sense, but not weak in any sense. I mean a smear campaign for over thousands of years, the murder of a Son, character assassination, sabotage, sovereignty challenged and a multitudes of trespasses. Jah, suffers these indignanties as his Son as so shall we in this system.
Was he really a Jehovah’s Witness?I mean a real one!
Hi Carman,
Thanks for your correction. I was thinking more along the line that perfect as Jehovah and Jesus are: even they are victim of Satan’s slander; thankfully Jehovah is powerful God we owe our allegiance. I hold opinion he commit this crime. I was hoping to help one to see the simplest of Satan’s snares snowballs into horrible things ad this. Yet Jehovah tells us Satan taunts Him. Yes Jehovah had chose ones like us to vindicate His name.
By the way, I like your name; I had chose that name if I were to have a girl. I had all boys.
I was truly feeling concern for the ones in the congregation not to lose sight spiritually because of this tragedy.
Anyways, Sister I humbly see your point. Please continue to share. At first I shared what I thought and still do. But ultimately above all I don’t want the children and close associates give up completely. David killed a man ; tried to cover it up. He did terrible thing. Jehovah saw his heart. He died with complete heart toward Jehovah. Yet Solomon didn’t; but he didn’t commit crime as David. Hope this helps you see what I was trying to impart. Definitely the guilty need to repent and it I’d up to Jehovah. The children have a challenge to their spirituality, a cruel one at that. It is easy to associate the physical congregation and forget Jehovah. I hope in all dincerety of heart that they do not forget Jehovah. I hope it helps clarifies message I was trying to get across.
With Chtistian love. He is being sentenced and nothing mentions an appeal; I do hate that they say ‘ position as elder’ , yet they see them as servants for the flock. Now the other elders have to work harder to gain trust of the flock; Yes what a reproach on Jehovah’s name. Since he has been found guilty; he will be disfellowshipped right?
No jury convicts on the basis of circumstancial evidence unless there is a complete blind miscarriage of justice. The burden of proof is for the most part the balance of the decision and indication for finding guilt and we know that Jehovah allows this law to stand relative for the time being. From time to time in Jehovahs organization many have been ‘overcome’ by Satan and have committed sins and even grievous crime.
The truth is that reproach upon Jehovahs name is the result of the actions of imperfect men and women who succomb to these trials with failure.
Forgive me Sandra, but Jehovah is not, nor never has been a victim. The scriptures tell us that he is the supreme being and that ‘perfect’ is his activity and I know for a certainty he never does anything that is not completely justified and in his love for creation, he is patient with us and he will see the vindication of his name and his universal sovereignty. He at no time has ever held any other belief of being a victim or otherwise.
Whether or not this man is guilty is not of the brothers and sisters concerns. We went through a very similar situation in our own territory where a young sister was murdered and that man was not baptized, and will remain in jail until the end of this system.
What is truly tragic here is the fact that often times, the situation has slowly developed to a critical point for a number of reasons.
Much stands out here to me that I see in so many of our brothers in the North American countries; materialism, status, and recreational pursuits that can place any one of Jehovahs loyal servants in a position of compromise spiritually.
The family and the congregations of both this city and ours will continue to rightfully serve Jehovah and continue in the ministry to find honest hearted ones, without becoming personally involved with this issue.
Whatever the truth may be in this regard, if this man truly is guilty, than we all should be grateful that his negative influence will no longer be a stumbling block for the congregation.
The rest is conjecture and Jehovah will set ‘all’ matters straight.
The brothers and sisters should do no more than be there to encourage all those affected by this atrocity to remain firm and pick only Jehovahs side and not become personally involved or express opinions that could be wrong.
To illustrate, our city of three congregations is still sorting through the divisions caused because of the murder that took place here, and that is the saddest most discouraging thing to see the abscence of love.
It only blinds the minds of the congregations to realizing that it is just another part of Satans persecution and cunning.
Lastly, even if this individual there or this one here is guilty as ‘charged’, repentence can still play a factor in their individual salvation.
The individual here is now trying to learn the truth. What is truly heartbreaking is that far too many individuals lack the humility in the first instance to ask for the help that could have prevented this.
All matters need to be left up to the Elder body to deal with and in the end Jehovah will finally set all matters straight under Christs millenial rule.
I hope the congregation remains united while these families get through this time. Even ancient times murders happened. Jehovah still is the one to look to and no one is beyond redemption if he repents and turns to Him. I hope no one lose sight of keeping spiritual view. Remember King David’s son tried to kill him. Jehovah helped him see where he erred in his grief over this son Absalom. I hope and encourage these families to turn to Jehovah and uphold and submit to Him. I hope they are not on opposite sides trying to have ones in congregation take sides. Even now I understand why the elder was holding back because Jehovah was Hus supreme authority and acted according to Jehovah’s direction. Financial strain can cause such horrible strain and changes in individuals.
It is my hope that these families keep focusing and turn to Jehovah; I personally know of families succeeding coming together as a family and look to Jehovah for everything. Sometimes it takes years and understandably so. Sadly they probably won’t be the last. Injustices come in so many forms and can’t lose sight of the fact that the problems still stemmed from the fact that it still resulted from Satan’s world and our imperfections. May Jejovsh bless the efforts of the ones turning to Him during this horrendous time. However this is an opportune time to trust in Jehovah and show these children how Jehovah will and can help then no matter the circumstances.Again my prayers to those to rely on Jehovah! Isabelle will be resurrected and this needs to be reinforced so they can look forward to the real life. I hope sincerely that the families do that.Let Jehovah’s holy spirit carry you through this. It would be sad if all lost their lives in this system by slumbering in the courts and letting it take first place in their lives. I understand may be consumed by grief but don’t be consumed by seeking justice. Jehovah says” Vengeance is mine. I shall repay”. Jehovah’s court is where all justice will truly be applied. We only have to wait while we persevere and cry to Him. We all are in sore need of justice. Even our God is victim of injustice. He truly knows and sees all things. Please don’t forget the power of prayer!
I don’t have much of an opnion of this, but my wife shire does. She watches those crime investagation recounts, many times the police have a agenda, or hurry to close a case. I like cops, but they are as imperfect as me. I make alot of mistakes, they can too! Too bad, were so close to the end…