Pursuit of justice has been a mom’s cause

Some relatives of homicide victims find solace in the conviction of their loved one’s killer. Others reach resolution when they have a body to bury. Karil Nelson has had neither in the tragic disappearance and presumed death of her daughter, Juliana Schubert. Yet she has set an interesting, intertwined example of patience, peace and pursuit.

Our legal system demands patience — cases don’t play out in real courtrooms like they do on TV. And the results don’t always work out in a way we think reflects true justice. Karil Nelson has waited more than 12 years for a jury to bring a conviction in her daughter’s death. During that time, Nelson has grieved the loss of her eldest child, the death of Snohomish County Sheriff’s Det. Rick Blake, who tirelessly worked the case, and most recently the death of her 18-year-old grandson, Nickolas Schubert.

Now she must wait for the retrial of David Schubert, Juliana’s husband, after the first one ended earlier this month with a deadlocked jury.

Many of us might ask, "How much more can one person take?" But Nelson’s resolve and sense of peace was evident this fall — before David Schubert’s first trial — when she said she could live with whatever the jury decided. "In my heart, I know I did the best I could for my daughter," she told a Herald reporter.

Nelson has done everything she can to honor her daughter and pursue legal justice. She brought a civil lawsuit against David Schubert, which resulted in the jury ruling that he was responsible for his wife’s death and helped pave the way for a criminal trial. She has refused to let this community forget about Juliana.

Snohomish County prosecutors and sheriff’s detectives deserve credit for continuing to pursue such a difficult and consuming case. David Schubert’s attorneys deserve credit, too, for their handling of a case unlike most others.

Twenty-six jurors from the two trials — one civil, the other criminal — believe David Schubert is responsible for Juliana’s death to one degree or another. But no matter what this next jury decides, Karil Nelson has shown us we can patiently pursue justice without our sense of peace being dependent upon its outcome. Given the tragedies our country has suffered recently, it’s a lesson we should all apply.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Trump’s aid cut will cost U.S. influence

The last time the U.S. pulled back its aid to other countries,… Continue reading

Musk’s financial access is a threat to personal data, payments

Recently Elon Musk along with six young men between 19-24 were able… Continue reading

Comment: Birthright citizenship has helped make America great

Trump’s attempt to end it, almost certainly unconstitutional, won’t fix the nation’s problems at its borders.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Important national story missing from Herald

I couldn’t find a report in The Herald that the Trump administration… Continue reading

Comment: Trump’s ‘Man-of-Steel’ shtick will make U.S. weaker

Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum will harm allies we need and won’t help industries here.

Comment: AG Bondi’s DEI memo more messaging than lawsuit threat

Talk of criminal investigations is intended to panic corporations into abandoning their DEI programs.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.