Kevin Douglas Carel

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department (CA)

Offense Location:

Chino, California

Summary:

In the early hours of March 22, 1984 Kevin Douglas Carel , was found deceased in a ranch- hand apartment, away from main house. Kevin was found with multiple stab wounds to arms, hands, chest and back. Evident of a violent struggle. It appears Kevin attempted to reach help when found partially exiting front entrance face down in a pool of blood. No evidence of robbery, as Kevin had several hundred dollars in his front pocket and car was still parked in front of apt/barn on the property.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Offense:

LEADING UP TO MURDER: One week before to the day, Kevin was in an altercation with a male, Theodore G. Pampalos, who h a d been in a relationship with Kevin's 16 year old sister. Ted had been making threats to family members and caused similar problems over recent years relating to the sister, who had recently broke off the relationship. Kevin approached Ted about the extremely lude and grotesque threats made, trying to resolve and end hostility. Ted proceeded making threats to family members and suggestive comments (unknown) about Kevin's sister, Kevin then punched Ted , Ted fell to the ground. Kevin explained that he was not there to fight him and reasoned if roles were reversed Ted would do the same. Kevin offered his hand to help Ted stand up, Kevin apologized for the assault, and asked Ted for the same consideration and respect. Kevin asked for harassment to stop and to leave sister unharmed. Kevin offered a hand shake in agreement and left Ted's apt. Ted continued pursuing sister. One week later Kevin was found murdered in barn/apt by his 16 year old sister. Kevin was stabbed 29 times and fought ferociously , what detectives thought to be at least 2 to 3 assailants when the attack began while Kevin was sleeping. At least two to three weapons were used . Large amount of blood pools and spatter found in the tiny apartment, hand prints in blood were seen on walls and door. When sister found Kevin about 7 am a few hours later from assault , Kevin was laying face down with head and partial shoulder over threshold exiting doorway and arm extended outside of doorway( looked as if he was pulling himself across the floor of apartment to the open door way when he passed away.) One of the first injuries ( according to coroner) severed spinal cord, punctured both lungs and defensive wounds to arms and hands. He was left alive to drown in his own blood. Kevin had no known enemies other then Ted and Teds associates. Kevin was separated from his wife who was living in the San Bernardino area at the time and had moved on . Kevin's friends and people who knew him said he was kind, friendly, generous. A mellow , non aggressive, shy and quite man. He was called at times ' a gentle giant' at 6'4" 200lbs, tall and lean. He was a protector, defender, underdog friend, animal lover, and respectful gentleman. Kevin's mother is 94 years old currently, and soon passing. It is the families wish to send her off knowing something is being done. Kevin Has an older living brother and his sister lives close by , in the Inland Valley, California.

Additional Details:

The family feels strongly that only one person is responsible, and for the entire 42 years this case has been opened, no arrest has been made, no contact from investigations. the past 10 years the sister Kim, has written letters, made phone calls- Two years ago finally got a call from a detective and was explained the details, briefly. The detective recited details that were incorrect. Attempted to verbally fact check and was treated rudely and disrespectful. Nothing was done and heard nothing back since. Several more attempts to contact investigators to look into any evidence available to identify and confirm what they believe , the person responsible. Whom is currently living a few miles from their town and has attempted to harass occasionally over the years to taunt the family. And denies any involvement, but was heard laughing and boasting soon after the murder. The family believes if there is evidence and still held in the department of law enforcement, can they be made aware that it is possible to test and attempt to discover D.N.A. of anyone other than Kevin involved in his murder. Family is confident the D.N.A. (if found) will link to the person responsible, and if it is considered unsolvable, please tell the family. But the family needs it revisited to know if they have to settle with fact he wasn't important enough to try and one day hope when they see him again he will forgive that he was overlooked and forgotten.

Case Last Updated:

Mar 06, 2026