Murrieta mother of two beaten, killed

Paul Gallaher photo.

Murrieta police cars line Tamarisk Street during a suspected homicide investigation on Monday, April 28, 2008.

Paul Gallaher photo.

Police are investigating a suspected homicide at this home on Tamarisk Street in Murrieta on Monday, April 28, 2008.

Paul Gallaher photo.

News media interview neighbor Kristine Scott during a homicide investigation at a home on Tamarisk Street in Murrieta on Monday, April 28, 2008.

Paul Gallaher photo.

Riverside County Sheriff's officers bring a plastic box containing metal items to the surface at Harveston Lake in Temecula on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. Authorities were searching the community lake for a weapon used in a suspected homicide in Murrieta on Monday.

Peter Surowski

Valley News Staff

Monday, April 28^th, 2008.
Issue 18, Volume 8.

Monday morning, police found a 40-year-old mother of two murdered in her Murrieta home.

At 8:45 a.m., police got a 9-1-1 call from the woman’s husband, according to Lt. Dennis Vrooman, the spokesperson for the Murrieta Police Department.

Vrooman recounted that when police arrived at 8:50 a.m. they found Isabelle Jarka unconscious in the master bedroom of her two-story home.

Emergency responders attempted to resuscitate her but were unsuccessful. She was declared dead at 9:08 a.m.

The victim’s husband, Kelle Jarka, 39, is said to have told police he left the home at 8 a.m. to go on a short errand.

As he pulled his car into the garage 45 minutes later, he noticed a side door leading into the garage looked as if it had been forced open.

He entered his home and found it ransacked and his wife dead, he told police.

Isabelle Jarka suffered from severe blunt-force trauma to the head, according to Vrooman, but releasing more details as to the cause of Jarka’s death could interfere with the homicide investigation.

Isabelle Jarka’s children, ages 12 years Advertisement
and 6 months, had been staying with the victim’s parents since the night before the killing, Vrooman said. The victim’s parents live across the street.

Though no witnesses have come forward with information, the police are investigating several suspects.

"We’re pursuing several leads we got after we talked to [the victim’s] family and friends," Vrooman said.

Candlelight vigil

Tuesday night, 27 neighbors met on the driveway of the Jarka family’s home to light candles and lay down flowers.

"We all feel the pain this family’s going through," Marisol Acosta, 38, said as she stood among her neighbors on the driveway. "We want to show the family that they’re not alone."

The murder was a shock to many residents, who described the neighborhood as close-knit and quiet.

"We all lived in the same neighborhood, we all have families, many of us are moms… everybody knows each other," Rachel Borsack, a resident living on the same street, said as a man standing within earshot nodded.

In the past, the neighbors got together and threw a block party, she said.

64 comments for "Murrieta mother of two beaten, killed"

1. Concerned neighbor says :

Seems coincedental in some ways. No matter what, this is terrible but let's hope this is more of a family dispute rather then a home invasion. For those of us who have lived in Myrrieta for a long time, we've all seen the sad change in the area.

2. HERNANDEZ says :

I HOPE THAT THE POLICE FINDS THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF THIS INNOCENT WOMAN, WIFE AND MOTHER.

3. ... says :

coincedental? Im sorry but whoever wrote this message below me is in COMPLETE and ABSOLUTE denial...wake up, incidents like these happen all over the world...the simple fact that you live in Murrieta is not going to guarantee you peace and security...

4. B-boy says :

how could you say that!family would never do such thing. And especialy now a days that people arnt having jobs there so desperate for money that they need to be cowards and steel from people wo earn there way of life fairly.

5. Joe says :

Hopefully we get more info soon. But its hard to believe that some one would just break in with the sole intent of murder. I'm wondering if they were intending to burglarize the place and she happened to come across them breaking in.

Every morning before I leave for work, I make it a point to look up and down the street for suspicious cars. Many times thieves will wait outside your home in their car for you to leave. If you ever see someone just sitting in their car outside your home, and you've never seen them or the car before, call the police.

6. Marisel says :

I have known Isabelle as growing up as a kid we hung out together Isabelle and her family are very well respected. It's tragic the BEST thing is to leave accusations out of this and assumptions. Please let the family grieve and respect their privacy. It's hard enough already that they lost their daughter. Think now she will never see her daughter and 6 month old son and her husband again. Isabelle was very well liked by many people. Her husband adored Isasbelle. So, please I ask that just pray for her husband and family members for strength for them to get through this.

7. Editor Shannon says :

Will the person who left comments as "neighbors" and "neighbor" with the same IP address please contact the editor at sstarr@myvalleynews.com

8. Castro says :

I have known this family for over 22 years and they are one of the most morally sound people around. They have a deep love of God and of each other. For most of their lives they both have spent thousand of hours volunteering their personal time helping other people to better themselves by putting God first. This is only a temporary set back, because the person or persons that did this will be accountable to a higher source. You can take the body but you cannot take away the soul. She is in God’s memory. No one can take that away. He will bring her back in a world with no more crime, no pain, no fear because of things like this. Our prayers are with your family, With love from the Castro’s

9. ELSA C IN SCOTTSDALE AZ says :

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE LIL BABIES LEFT BEHIND,

10. A friend who shares your loss says :

This is a hard and sad moment for both families. Out of respect to the family, let the authorities ( who do this for a living find out what really happen- please don't speculate or point fingers on the person who happened to be there trying to SAVE her.) Neighbors may live close , but the people who spent real time with the Jarka family know how they were a loving/genuine family ( there are no negative things about this family). So Please do not assume the negative.. Just because it may be easy to point the finger. If you read the daily newspaper-you will know that Murrieta is Not as safe as IT use to. If you were passing through a grieving situation, the last thing you want is to hear people pointing the finger at you.. This poor man lost the Love of his Life... He truly Loved her. Yes! There are still people that love their Husband/or Wife in this world ( believe it or Not)

P.s In reference to not hearing anything.. I lived in Murrieta..and I had a entertainment center, the NEXT DOOR Neighbors never heard the Noise from the entertainment center.. Murrieta Homes Are big/ and have great insulation.. See for yourself.

11. Resent New Friend to the Family says :

I can not believe that Isabelle is dead! I was in shock when I first found out. Because I had barely seen her a few weeks ago. It was when friends & family got together for a Baby shower. She was a great friend & wife. She was loving & always had a beautiful smile on. & we will miss her a lot. But Jehovah will never forget her. So please…please remember her in your prayers. Pray for Allie the daughter, Jaden the 6 month old baby & Kelle the husband. We will be preying for this wonderful amazing friend & wife.

12. Elizabeth says :

I did not personally know Isabelle but I attend church with some of her family members. Please all of us must allow the authorities to do their part, let's not second guess them. I will attend the memorial tomorrow to show my support and so will many others who did not know Isabelle and the countless others who did. Let's just keep her in our thoughts and patiently wait until Jehovah brings her back to the resurection under different world conditions. We need to hang in there so we can all make it to paradise.

13. richard says :

may the family and neighbors affected by this horrible tragedy find peace threw this hard time. may god lay his hands over the children and husband and show them the way threw the rest of their lives. lets hope this is not a trend in our beautiful community , even though there is hatred and crime everywhere , lets not put murrieta at the top of the list.

may isabelle rest in peace but stay close to the hearts of those who loved her.

14. ELWOOD says :

sad and confused as we all are about this terrible ordeal. I agree that people should stop pointing the finger, doesn't this world have enough hatred in it already (DON'T BE ONE TO SHARE IN IT). like others have said, let the law do their job. as for the jarka family, our family is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

15. Rob says :

I'm very sorry for the tragedy that has befallen this family. I am however very concerned about the danger lurking in our neighborhood. Have the police indicated whether or not it is safe? I live nearby and my wife is sometimes home alone during the day. Are there increased patrols? Have there been any similar daytime break-ins? Are there descriptions of persons or vehicles that the public needs to be aware of.
We only moved here last year but this seems very unusual for this area. With that said I sure would appreciate more information from the police. Murrieta PD you have a lot of citizens that are very concerned!

16. Russell Arceneaux-Lafayette, la says :

I live in Lafayette, Louisiana-a fair size city, halfway between New Orleans and Houston, it seems horrible things are happening the world over-The Scriptures says this would be the case 'having no natural affection' (2 Timothy 3:3)

Our hearts and prayers are with this family, even though we have never met them. Russell Arceneaux
218 Mendell Rd
Carencro, La 70520

17. neighbor says :

Everyone needs to stop assuming it is or isn't the husband. Just because he was a great person doesn't mean he couldn't do a thing like this. We are all imperfect. Anyone can snap. To talk so great about a man that you don't really know if he did it will only make you look stupid in the end. Or for the ones saying its him. No one knows. I have to tip my hat to the police in the investigation. They are doing a great job and I know they will find the person who did this to this great mother, and daughter. And hopefully soon!!

18. Malena Rodriguez says :

Dear Kelly I can not believe the news Iam in shock,Isabel the love of your life and the childern.I have known this famliy for many years,taken cruises,spent the most quality time in my life around this famliy.Iam sad for every person that will miss Isabell the smile her kind heart best cristian qualitys.Just a beutifull human being.For the canchola Family and Jarka Family my prairs go out to you and your loved ones.

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

19. friend says :

Damit,Damit, Ho ever did this I hope and pray you will never sleep another night in pease! Thous inocent Childeren have been robed of there mother for god sakes! You robed the childern of haveing a beutifull life with there complete family!
I pray that the police Forensics what ever it takes to find the person or persons
responsable for this hanis crime.
my love goes out to Both Familys We will miss a beutifull human being I send my love a Friend

20. Very Concerned says :

Riverside County Sheriff's officers bring a plastic box containing metal items to the surface at Harveston Lake in Temecula on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 what is the status on this. I feel that the County of Riverside has left alot of community members, family, and friends on HOLD you take the time to share this information why not continue to share what was in this metal box. It's not fair that you put this information to the public then leave everyone else wondering. Please continue to keep everyone updated. Everyone has a right to have some type of security in this neighborhood.

21. Perez says :

I knew kelle and isabelle from many years ago... they were my brother and his ex's best friends, they went on vacation together and hung out all the time... they were at his house not too long ago.
Kelle- Im sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and with your family.
The murrieta police need to update or give some other information on what's going on... please any information will help.

22. No name says :

All I gotta say is .... Keep in mind Allot of people Seem nice!!

23. To Perez- says :

.....it doesn't matter how much you know someone. You just need to open your eyes. Its hard to imagine. But you would be suprised. Look at all the satistics in police reports. Its always a suprise to everyone. Even their own family!

24. Temecula Mom says :

What a hateful, callous, violent, senseless & cowardous act, to take the life of this defenseless mother of two children. This killer had a rage brewing inside that only the devil himself could explain. We hear of these types of murders everyday, more often than not, the killer know's the victim and vice a versa. Thank goodness that the children were not physically injured...eventhough mentally they will suffer. How selfish and vile this beast is. My thoughts and prayers go out to the children. They are the ones who loose in this situation. How sad.

25. Bella says :

My condolences to the Jarka and extended family. I live out of state by my sister lives near by and told me about this tragedy. I did a little research on the internet and discovered that there have been other burglaries in the area. Therefore, it would not be unreasonable to believe this was one also. In fact, one of the other burglaries happened around the same time of day. Maybe a coincidence maybe not. Hopefully, the detectives on this case do not get narrow minded and explore ALL possible leads. The family members are always suspects and they work their way out from there. Keep in mind though that crimes against strangers (if this happens to be the case) are the most difficult to solve.

26. Perez says :

The one that responded on my comment... i dont understand what you are trying to tell me. Please explain

27. Corona says :

A lot of stories are going around, but the media has not updated the public! This murder sounds too full of rage and anger, (like a Niclole Brown or Lacey Peterson?) the ransaking of the house sounds like an afterthought. And what is up with the metal box? Was it related to this homicide?

28. Editor Shannon says :

The media can only update the public when there is news to report such as an arrest is made or the police issue a press release. We do not investigate crimes. The authorities don't always release information while they are investigating a crime as it might affect the evidence.
So in answer to those who want the media to update, we will as soon as we can.

29. Michael says :

I beleive that law enforcement will look at all of the possibilities relating to Isabelle's death. There are circumstances that I found to be strange, but to speculate on them would be insensative to the victims of this crime. It might be reassuring to us, the residents of murrieta for this murder to be a domestic situation and not a random crime, but ultimatley the truth will be discovered based on evidence. Regardless of what is uncovered relating to Isabelle's murder; there will still be victim's out there whose lives will be devistated and will need the communities suport.

30. To Belinda says :

Isabelle's both children were at her grandparents home spending the night, which they did quiet often it is NOT unusuall for children to spend the night at grandparents home. Isabelle and Kelle's children are very close to the grandparents especially living across the street. How fortunate of these children to have a special relationship with their grandparents not many children now a days have what they have. And for the record it is not "conveniently" either. You would have to have know both families to see for yourself that this is and will always be a very close family. You might want to re-read the article above it explains very clearly where the children were at. I find it insulting that you (if you are a mom and have children) you would make a comment like this. Where is your sympathy.

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

31. Corona's response says :

If you think that the ransaking took place after the fact were you in the house? Did you see something that your not sharing with the Police Department? Under what FACTS do you HAVE that YOU came up with this conclusion. Please explain how do you know if the ransaking was the after thought were very curious. If anyone is going to write their remaks on this website please have better details than assumptions. I will continue to stand up for Isabelle and not let her husband's, children, and family members name get smeared.

32. (A DIFFERENT) Belinda says :

I am amazed by the support and loving comments left by the brothers and sisters, not only on this website but others. I did not know the family either, but they are in our prayers.

33. Hopeful says :

I sure hope for those defending the husband that it isn't him! I can't help but think about the recent case of the brother who was convicted of molestation. I heard he had a whole lot of people refusing to even think it was possible.We all have to remember that anything is possible in this wicked world!
I sure hope for the family's sake it wasn't anyone they knew.

34. Angry Neighbor says :

Concerned neighbor, you are ridiculous! You hope this a family issue? What about the kids who might have to go through life knowing their father killed their mother, if in fact that is what happened. For your peace of mind you hope that this isn't random? It must suck to live in such fear all the time.

35. Ada r0sas says :

My condolence t0 the jarka family and canchola. I knew these famikies. Isabel was a kind n l0vable pers0n. She l0ved her kids n husband very much. Kelle l0ved her n w0uld never d0 anything t0 harm her. Kelle,allie,new bb- we pray f0r u, n ur always in 0ur thoughts.we will see her i paradise when jeh0vah gets rid 0ff 0f evil.

36. Glass says :

I just want to know what a "Famikies " is?

37. Creep! says :

Like you don't know!!
Always some creep who has to think he or she is better than someone else! Did that make your day? Did someone make you feel less than today?
Rosas- I'm sure the family knew exactly what you were saying and appreciate your kind words.

38. SAD says :

Attention to the person who wrote "Creep" above. Being hatefull is not the way to ever handle anything. We should all work on only saying kind things. There is never a good reason for retaliation.

39. RE: Rosas says :

I'm sure the husband loves the kind words. If only he was thinking kind thoughts too on 4/28!

40. Murr resident says :

the fact that someone is in a religion does NOT guarantee anything, it does not make you perfect. In this world anything is a possibility

41. disgusted says :

I personally find it odd that a persons religious affiliation has become such a focus with so many commenters. It seems the real issue may become clouded by some who may look at the JW's in a prejudicial way. The truth of the matter is there are some in every religion that may not follow the higher standards and morals they are taught. Let the police do their job and leave religion out of it! Bottom line is it has nothing to do with what may or may not have happened.

42. To"Disgusted" says :

Who are you talking to??? Im not seeing anyone but "YOU" mentioning Negativity with religion. I think Religion should be left out. Wheather it be a good comment or bad one,until the case is closed.

43. A person who cares... says :

Everyone should pray that however this happened would be exposed to the police and justice will be served and pray for peace that surpasses all understanding for the family so they can handle this crisis one day at a time.

44. Editor Shannon says :

Today an arrest was made. The story should be up soon as we get the confirmation from the authorities.

45. Saddened...for the children... says :

Husband of the woman was arrested today. He is on the inmate log for Riverside Sheriff's Department. I had always thought it might be him.

46. Concerned Neighbor says :

TOLD YOU SO!!!!!! I guess we can keep our windows open at night again! I'll give my dog a few days off after all this.

47. Corona says :

I may have said that ransaking the house sounded like an afterthought. But now. . . there you have it, Police say it was staged, Hubby in debt, Murder for Money. Hey Mr. Jarka, you can always walk away from debt like bankrupcy!! You can't walk away from a life sentence or the death penalty. Even so the way Isabelle was murdered!!! So gruesome, so hateful!! Apart from all this is there something more to this like a girlfriend in the closet?

48. Chaos says :

Normally when 2 poeple are married they both get life insurance policies. They also knew he was having a bad time with his business, that is why they arrested him for musrder with special circumstances....financial gain. I think he planned to murder her down the road, but something happended that set him off. Who calls 911 and says the house was burgalrized while I was running errands and getting baby formula (stating his fake alibi) and then states his wife is dead. I understand that most were rallying around him, why do you think the courts immediately gave temporary custody to the grandparents?
If someone was watching and broke in after ke left, why didn;t they break into the other 2 houses where both husband and wife left and what stranger breaks into your house and then cleans up? The brutality is NOT consistant of someone robbing someone, it is of rage
That poor woman, her last few moments of breath were at the hands of someone she loved....

49. Isabelle's Friend says :

After all the articles in the newspapers I am very sadden and very dissapointed that Kelle you chose to do this to your wife and your kids. Too bad you don't have the means to read all of this. And here I thought very highly of you. Yeah did it ever cross your mind to declare "BANKRUPTCY" that would have made you a better man, no you HAD to take it the other route didn't you. YOU messed up alot of lives especially your daughter Ellie and your only son too. You had the nerve to do this and have your son in your home while you did this. I hope you never sleep again. Just think the last memory your daughter has of her mother taking their mother out of your home in a bag. How pathetic can you be, not to mention ALL the support all the brothers and sisters gave you, not to mention YOUR own family. You sat at the Kingdom Hall sobbing I get it now sobbing of GUILT not for the life you took away. Isabelle even though your gone for a short while I'm glad that you fought him back!!!

50. Bella says :

Hmmmm...there are some things about this case that are bothering me. Why would this man murder his wife after taking out an insurance policy on her? Wow....he would have to be a complete idiot. Also, it has been reported that they had financial trouble and marital problems. Many people do however, they do not resort to murder. I am not yet convinced of his innocence or his guilt based ONLY on what the media has reported at this time.

51. Old friend says :

I saw Isabelle grow up , she was sweet, kind , innocent and loving! how can kind of monster would hurt a woman like this ???I heard
that you couldnt eat Sunday the night before your wife's death, why is that ?why couldnt you keep your food down ? why???? only Isalbelle and God know the truth. I pray that justice is done ASAP.

52. naika says :

now we know why....because he did it...

8:25 pm Wed, Dec 3^rd, 2008

53. a mother also says :

There is so many crimes in this fallen world but if we stop analyzing this cituation and arguing and start to pray this case will get resolved. I challendge everyone who cares to pray tonight at 9pm for justice to surface I guarantee justice will prevale because our God is awesome!!! 12/3/2008 From someone who trusts in the Lord. Sometimes things happen and we don't understand why like maybe the Lord was protecting her and took her early. We just need to focus on prayer and not get side tracked. Lets pray that the husband is on his knees praying and that the kids will be taken care of and the parents will get through this horrific incident. Lets pray guys!!!!

6:31 am Thu, Dec 25^th, 2008

54. Frank says :

What is the current status of this case as of 12/2008??

8:08 pm Tue, Jan 13^th, 2009

55. ........................................ says :

let hope it wasn"t family it would be somthing realy sad if it is famiy

7:46 am Sat, Feb 28^th, 2009

56. unknown name says :

Vegence is in the hands of the Lord, he will repay

Romans 12:17-20

3:59 pm Mon, Mar 16^th, 2009

57. Anonymous in Temecula says :

For all those that think they knew her, they fall short from what others not close her were able to see. How about arrogant, money hungry, show off, just a few; though it does not mean that he had the right to take her life away. Divorce, would have been better than what he did. In a moment of passion we humans say and do things that later we regret, and is too late. I knew both of them, and both were very arrogant, despite what they knew of God. Though that does not mean they were acting in accordance wtih bible principles, at least the past 8 yrs. May God have mercy on both of them.

9:04 pm Wed, May 6^th, 2009

58. Relative says :

I don't know what words to use to give my most heartfelt condolences to Elias, Tini, Laura, Maritza and Isabelle's two children. I just found out last nite about Isabelle. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

6:05 am Thu, May 7^th, 2009

59. Local says :

According to a recent article, a "tentative trial was scheduled for the week of April 20th".... does any one have updated information?

6:53 am Fri, May 8^th, 2009

60. Dear "Local" says :

Jarka is back in court. Go to

http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/37618/

8:00 pm Thu, Aug 27^th, 2009

61. Monica says :

I dont know this family. But i know many of their relatives. It really saddens me. Prayers to the family. If the husband is guilty. Dont put a name on Jehovah's Witnesses.

4:56 pm Mon, Sep 14^th, 2009

62. lise says :

Guilty verdict not a big surprise.

6:10 am Sun, Oct 7^th, 2012

63. Double bolting the doors says :

My heart goes out to the family and I am so sorry for their terrible loss. As a stay-at-home Mom ... it is distressing to think there may be a homicidal maniac in our neighborhood. While I understand the need for the police to have time to conduct a thorough investigation, there are many of us who are awaiting some news.

3:55 pm Tue, Oct 9^th, 2012

64. Patricia Soto - Corona says :

To the family I knew Isabelle only from assemblies. But this type of death is so horrible to know a loved one was stolen from her family in this manner! Hopefully the police will find the perpetrator(s) quickly so the family can have a small measure of peace.

Murrieta mother of two beaten, killed

64 comments for "Murrieta mother of two beaten, killed"

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