Originally, prosecutors were pursuing two murder charges for Carter. One charge said he "purposefully" caused the death of Markham, while the other charge said he caused her death as the "proximate result" of committing a felony of violence.
Man pleads guilty to killing fiancée, avoids murder trial
Carter's attorneys told WCPO 9 that by him pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter, he's admitting to accidentally causing Markham's death while he was committing a misdemeanor assault and she died. The attorneys did not specify the type of misdemeanor assault.
He has been free since his arraignment in April 2023 after posting a $1 million bond shortly after the indictment.
Markham was days away from her 22nd birthday when she vanished in August 2011 from her Fairfield townhouse. Her skeletal remains were found on April 7, 2013, in a remote wooded area in Indiana about 30 miles from her home.
During Carter's arraignment, Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser presented evidence that included documents found through a search warrant shortly before Carter’s indictment.
The documents found in Carter’s home include writings about killing and death. Gmoser read several aloud in court on Monday.
“Deep down, I love her. You want to kill her, but I love her. She must die. I can't kill her. Yes, you can,” one of the documents read.
Another document reads “I slit your wrist with the key to your heart.”
'She must die': Writings from man accused of killing fiancée read in court
The prosecutor referenced a forensic anthropology report that indicates there was sharp instrumental trauma to Markham’s wrist.
Gmoser said the documents found in Carter’s home did not have a date on them.
While she was missing, Carter assisted police and volunteers with searches for years. He told WCPO 9 in an August 2011 interview that he was "absolutely terrified."
He also said at the time he was hopeful Markham could "fight her way out" if she was somewhere "because she's strong."
When he spoke to WCPO 9 that same month about being interviewed by police, Carter said he wasn't worried.
"I know that I'm more than cooperative and I will always be cooperative until we get Katelyn back," Carter said.
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