The world of sports often celebrates victories and heroes, but sometimes, a tragic event unfolds, revealing a darker side to a revered figure. This is the story of Carl Kearney Jr., a celebrated high school football coach in Georgia, whose promising career took a shocking turn when he confessed to a horrifying crime.
A Confession and a Community in Shock
On February 17th, a somber silence fell upon a Maryland police station when Carl Kearney Jr., 43, walked in and confessed to a crime that shook the community to its core: the strangulation of his girlfriend, Patrina Best.
Kearney, facing charges of first and second-degree murder, painted a chilling picture of the events that transpired earlier that morning. He confessed to strangling Best during an argument in her home. According to Kearney, he then attempted to revive her by slapping her face, but when she remained unresponsive, he panicked. In a state of fear and confusion, he fled the scene in Best’s car, driving towards Virginia. However, overwhelmed by guilt and realizing the gravity of his actions, he turned back and returned to Prince George County, walking into the police station to turn himself in.
“It can be a signifier of remorse or guilt,” explains Dr. John Delatori, a forensic psychologist. “But if he truly cared about her, the strangulation wouldn’t have happened in the first place.” Dr. Delatori suggests that Kearney, aware of the inevitable consequences, might have chosen to confess as a way to regain a semblance of control over the situation.
The Personal Nature of Strangulation
Dr. Delatori emphasizes the deeply personal nature of strangulation as a method of violence. “It’s personal because it’s intimate, face-to-face. It also speaks to a sense of dominance, a chilling reality where the perpetrator literally holds the victim’s life in their hands,” he explains. “Strangulation is a horrifying experience for the victim and, sadly, occurs much more frequently than we realize.”
While the details of Kearney and Best’s relationship remain unclear, Dr. Delatori postulates that this tragic incident was unlikely an isolated event. “Reaching the point of taking someone’s life is a gradual process, often preceded by a pattern of escalating aggression,” he says. “It’s highly improbable that this was the first instance of violence between them. There’s likely a history of abuse leading up to this tragic outcome.”
A Life Cut Short, A Community Mourning
Patrina Best’s untimely death has left her family and friends devastated. Her sister, in a heart-wrenching social media post, remembers Patrina as her “whole world, her best friend from the very beginning.” She describes Patrina as “radiant and beautiful inside and out,” a dedicated nurse who touched countless lives with her kindness and compassion.
A woman with long, dark hair smiles brightly while standing in front of a brick wall
“She was taken from us far too soon,” her sister writes. “I will carry her with me for the rest of my life. Rest in peace, my sweet, sweet sister.”
Unmasking a Seemingly Beloved Coach
Adding to the tragedy is the jarring contrast between Kearney’s public persona and his alleged actions. Former players, students, and community members expressed shock and disbelief, describing him as a “stand-up guy” and a “father figure” who always prioritized his students.
This stark contrast underscores the complex nature of human behavior, reminding us that outward appearances can be deceiving. “We often place people on pedestals, idealizing them based on a single action or persona,” Dr. Delatori explains. “It’s crucial to remember that people are multifaceted. We never truly know the depths of someone’s character.”
Dr. Delatori cautions against dismissing the incident as an isolated lapse in judgment. “Individuals who engage in such horrific acts often go to great lengths to cultivate a positive public image, deliberately obscuring their true nature,” he says. “Their seemingly good deeds may be calculated to deflect suspicion and maintain their facade.”
A Teachable Moment amidst Tragedy
While the community grapples with the shockwaves of this tragedy, Dr. Delatori emphasizes the importance of using this as a “teachable moment.” He encourages open dialogues about domestic violence, urging individuals to recognize warning signs and report any suspicious behavior.
“It’s crucial to educate ourselves and our youth about the realities of domestic violence, human trafficking, and intimate partner violence,” he asserts. “We must foster an environment where victims feel empowered to come forward and where bystanders are equipped to intervene and seek help.”
Justice and Remembrance
As the legal proceedings unfold, Carl Kearney Jr. remains in custody in Maryland without bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 18th, where the court will delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Patrina Best’s tragic death.
Carl Kearney Jr. smiles in a team photo wearing a blue baseball cap and shirt
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, it is crucial to remember Patrina Best, not as a victim, but as a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and dedicated nurse. Her life, tragically cut short, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of promoting awareness, education, and support for victims.