KENDALL COUNTY, Texas – A San Antonio attorney, Karen Kay Hogan, recently faced serious consequences for stealing over $500,000 from six children who lost their parents in a tragic murder-suicide incident in 2021. After pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison on June 1 by Judge Kirsten Cohoon in Kendall County’s 451st Criminal District Court.
The plea agreement allowed for a range of punishment, from probation to a maximum of 20 years in prison, with the sentences for both charges running concurrently.
Background of the Case
The tragic events unfolded on December 31, 2021, when Kendall County deputies responded to a disturbance call at a residence in Boerne. They discovered Jason Marcus Evans and Emily Elizabeth Fulton Evans deceased from gunshot wounds, with investigators determining that Jason was the shooter. At the time of the incident, their children—five daughters and a son—aged between 4 and 15, were present in the home.
Hogan’s Role and Misappropriation of Funds
Hogan was appointed as the temporary administrator for the Evans’ estates on November 15, 2022, and later became the dependent administrator. She opened accounts for both estates, with an initial balance exceeding $400,000 for Jason’s estate and over $24,500 for Emily’s estate. However, Hogan misappropriated funds, transferring $40,000 from Jason’s account into her business account without court permission.
By March 2024, the accounts had dwindled significantly, with Jason’s account reduced to less than $100 and Emily’s to just $9. In total, Hogan misapplied $541,550 from the estates.
A ‘Sweetheart Scam’ Defense
During the sentencing, a Kendall County probation officer testified that Hogan claimed she fell victim to a “sweetheart scam” from an online romantic interest. Lt. Thomas “Butch” Matjeka from the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the stolen funds were transferred to individuals in California, but investigators were unable to trace where the money went.
Prosecutors noted that Hogan did not express remorse for her actions. Instead, she seemed more concerned about her situation than about the children who lost their parents.
Final Sentencing and Consequences
During closing arguments, prosecutor Nicole Bishop urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence, emphasizing Hogan’s lack of urgency to repay the stolen funds. Judge Cohoon expressed her disgust at Hogan’s betrayal of trust, noting the severe impact on the Evans children and her failure to take responsibility.
In addition to her prison sentence, Hogan was ordered to pay restitution of $189,678.50 and fined an additional $5,000. Texas State Bar records indicate she has surrendered her law license following these events.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust, especially in vulnerable situations, and the serious consequences of betrayal. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, it’s crucial to seek help. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text TALK to 741-741.
