Attorney Detained, Accused of Embezzling $540,000 From Children Whose Parents Died in a Murder-suicide

A shocking case has surfaced in Boerne, Texas, where San Antonio attorney Karen Kay Hogan has been arrested for allegedly embezzling more than $540,000 from six children. These children tragically lost their parents in a murder-suicide and were supposed to inherit their parents’ estates. Hogan, who was appointed as the executor of these estates, is now facing multiple felony charges for misappropriating the funds meant for the children’s future.

Details of the Tragic Incident

On December 31, 2021, authorities responded to a potential homicide report at a residence in the 100 block of Ridge Lane. When deputies arrived, they discovered Emily Elizabeth Fulton Evans and Jason Marcus Evans dead from gunshot wounds. Investigations confirmed that Jason Evans was the shooter, having killed his wife before taking his own life.

The couple left behind six children—five daughters and one son—aged between 4 and 15 years at the time. The eldest child also has a developmental disability, adding to the family’s tragic circumstances. The estates of Jason and Emily Evans were meant to provide financial support for these children.

Attorney Appointed as Estate Administrator

Following the parents’ deaths, Karen Kay Hogan, a 67-year-old attorney, was appointed as the temporary administrator of the Evans family estates on November 15, 2022. Later, a judge in Kendall County formally appointed her as the dependent administrator responsible for managing the children’s inheritance.

Hogan gained control over two estate accounts:

• Estate of Jason Marcus Evans: Opened with a balance of over $400,000.
• Estate of Emily Elizabeth Fulton Evans: Started with a balance of around $24,500.

Hogan was added as a joint account holder on these accounts in January and November 2023, giving her full access to the funds.

Misappropriation of Funds

According to the arrest affidavit, Hogan began transferring large sums of money from the estate accounts into her business checking account without any court approval. Some key transactions include:

• August 5, 2023: $40,000 transferred from Jason Evans’ estate to Hogan’s business account.
• September 6 & 8, 2023: Two separate transfers of $20,000 each from Hogan’s business account to an unknown account.

The affidavit highlights that Hogan had no legal claim to the funds, which were strictly meant for the benefit of the Evans children. By November 2023, Jason Evans’ account had less than $100, and by March 2024, Emily Evans’ account had just $9 remaining.

In total, Hogan is accused of misappropriating $541,550 between August 2023 and February 2024.

Legal Charges and Arrest

Hogan was arrested and booked into the Kendall County Jail on Thursday morning. She faces multiple felony charges, including:

• Misapplication of fiduciary property (amount over $300,000)
• Exploitation of children
• Exploitation of a disabled individual

These are serious charges, reflecting the gravity of betraying the trust placed in her to manage the children’s inheritance responsibly.

Interestingly, according to records from the Texas State Bar, Hogan had already surrendered her law license, raising questions about how she continued handling legal matters related to the estates.

Ongoing Investigation

The case is still under investigation. Authorities are trying to trace the missing funds and determine if others were involved. They’re also looking into whether Hogan had a history of similar misconduct in the past.

The priority now is to recover the stolen money and ensure the Evans children receive the support they desperately need.

This heartbreaking case highlights how vulnerable individuals, especially children, can be exploited even after enduring unimaginable loss. While the legal system works to hold Karen Kay Hogan accountable, the focus remains on securing justice for the Evans children, whose futures were jeopardized by someone entrusted to protect them.

SOURCE

FAQ