'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Tim McNamara's murder remains one of the most perplexing cases in the history of Belize, Central America, where the farm owner was shot to death in his backyard after he went to check for intruders with a handgun. The case remains intriguing because no one has been formally charged with the murder, with some arguing it was a suicide.
This case is also the subject of People Magazine Presents: Crimes Of The 2010s: episode 5, titled The Deadliest Taboo. The synopsis for the episode reads:
"Fights over land and money divide an eastern Washington family amidst allegations of incest, betrayal, and murder. Was a taboo romance to blame for one father's death? Or are there deeper issues at play?"
The case has many intriguing details, especially because it remains unsolved and shrouded in mystery. Before the episode airs on August 23, 2024, at 8 pm EST, let us look at five interesting details that will intrigue true crime fans worldwide.
Trending
5 key details about Tim McNamara's murder
1) Tim McNamara engaged in a taboo relationship with his niece
While still living in Soap Lake, Washington, Tim McNamara, who was already divorced thrice with multiple kids, fell in love with his biological niece. Tracy Nessl was connected to Tim through his brother. Despite their blood relationship, they started a romantic one that progressed significantly.
2) They were forced to move out of their community following their marriage
Due to the nature of their relationship, things did not stay normal in the community. Soon, they had to move out of their community. In 2013, the pair decided to move to Belize in Central America, where they started a Bed and Breakfast on a farm they purchased.
While things seemed to go well for the two, it did not stay this way for long.
3) Tim McNamara was found shot to death on his farm
Tracy Nessl found Tim McNamara lying face-up on the ground with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. She went to her neighbors to call the police as she allegedly had no idea what to do. She told the police that he went outside to check after hearing some dogs barking. But she soon heard a gunshot and found him dead.
4) Nessl was singled out as the suspect in the case, but it did not lead anywhere
After Nessl allegedly claimed that the investigating officer was demanding money from her, she was singled out as the primary suspect in the case. However, by the time the warrant was taken out in 2015, she had moved back to Soap Lake, and authorities could not get to her from Belize.
5) Tracy Nessl faced a civil lawsuit from Tim's children and was ordered to pay a hefty amount
Following the death of Tim McNamra, Tracy faced a civil lawsuit from Tim's children. The lawsuit alleged that Tracy was responsible for Tim's death and claimed compensation for the same. Ultimately, this lawsuit was ruled in favor of Tim's children. Tracy was ordered to pay $3.3 million in damages, $725,000 to each of Tim’s children, $1.8 million in additional damages, and $77,000 as economic damages to the estate.
She never appealed this decision and remains in Soap Lake at Tim's house.
The upcoming episode of People Magazine Presents: Crimes Of The 2010s will cover this case in detail.
