Karen McCarron and her husband, Paul, had their first child, Katherine in 2002. Two years later, the little girl was diagnosed with autism.
They later had another daughter named Emily.
On Mother’s Day 2006, Paul was out of town, but Karen, the two kids, and Karen’s mother were spending time together.
After putting Emily down for a nap, Karen took Katie out for a drive. She went to her mother’s residence, took Katie into the garage, and suffocated her with a plastic trash bag.
She took Katie back home and put her in bed.
Karen spent time with her mother and brother, then went to the store to buy ice cream. When she returned home, she pretended to find Katie unresponsive.
Katie was pronounced dead at the hospital, and later that night, Karen tried to end herself with a bunch of Tylenol, but she survived and confessed to the murder.
She was convicted of first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and concealing a homicidal death on January 17, 2008.
She received a 36-year prison sentence on April 1st, 2008. She was also fined $25,000 and must serve 30 months of supervised release when she gets out.
She will be eligible for parole on November 6th, 2043.
DOB:
December 20, 1968Conviction(s):
- First degree murder
- Obstruction of justice
- Concealing a homicidal death
Date of crime:
May 14th, 2006Location(s):
Morton, ILDate of arrest:
Same DayDetails:
Killed her daughter because the girl had autism.Confirmed Victim(s):
- Katherine McCarron (3)
Method:
SuffocationSentence:
36 yearsCurrent whereabouts:
Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, ILLast Updated on 08/23/2026
