Bio

Nathan Ybanez was born in 1982 in Davenport, Iowa. His father, Roger Ybanez, had a varied career that included working as a golf professional and in baking. His mother, Julie, was a devoted Christian and often instilled strict rules within the household. Nathan's childhood was marked by frequent moves due to his father's job and the unstable nature of his parents' marriage.

By the time Nathan was 14, his family had moved over 30 times. This lack of stability took a toll on him. Nathan felt a sense of isolation from his peers, often struggling to make friends. He was described as quiet, friendly, and easygoing, especially when engaging in activities like skateboarding or playing the guitar. However, around his parents, he appeared tense and withdrawn.

The relationship with his mother was particularly controlling. Julie believed that Nathan's interests, especially in music, might lead him to negative influences. She often tracked his movements and was known to be possessive. She would call him when he was out with friends, expressing her need for his comfort. This created a complex and unhealthy dynamic between them.

Nathan's father was known to have a violent temper, which Nathan feared. His father would often lose his temper and resort to physical punishment. Family members reported witnessing Roger handle Nathan harshly, sometimes using physical force when angry. This abusive behavior created a troubled environment for Nathan.

At school in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where Nathan had moved in search of a better life, he began to find friendships in a punk rock band called "Troublebound." There he met Erik Jensen and Brett Baker, who noticed Nathan's struggles at home. Nathan confided in Erik about the troubles he faced, including being beaten by his father. Despite his friends' attempts to help him or alert authorities, Nathan felt trapped.

In late 1997, at the age of 15, Nathan reached out for help, reporting to police about the abuse in his home. Unfortunately, his cries went unanswered, and he was returned to his parents. Over time, Nathan's behavior worsened; he began abusing drugs and skipping school. His mother, overwhelmed by his actions and the deteriorating family situation, threatened to send him to a military school.

On June 5, 1998, facing this threat, Nathan's life would take a tragic turn. This moment would lead to a significant event that would change everything for him and his family.

Murder Story

On June 5, 1998, Nathan Ybanez and his friend Erik Jensen killed Nathan's mother, Julie Ybanez, in their home in Douglas County, Colorado. That night, Julie had threatened to send Nathan away to a military school, which upset him. During the altercation, Nathan used a pair of fireplace tongs to strike Julie multiple times. Reports indicate that she received about 20 blows to the head. Following the assault, Julie was also strangled. The authorities later determined that strangulation was the cause of death.

After the murder, Nathan and Erik attempted to conceal the crime. They put Julie's body in a sleeping bag and transported her to a park, where they planned to bury her. An officer found Nathan at the park the next day with his mother’s body. He was arrested shortly after.

In the days following the murder, both Nathan and Erik were charged, with Nathan being accused of first-degree murder. Erik was also charged but maintained his innocence regarding direct involvement in the killing. The prosecution presented evidence of Nathan's actions leading up to and during the crime, emphasizing premeditation. Nathan's defense was that Erik had a more significant role in the attack.

Nathan Ybanez was convicted on January 27, 2000, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His friend Erik Jensen was also sentenced to life without parole for his role in the crime. Nathan remains incarcerated to this day.