Where is Gaege Bethune now? ‘Dateline NBC’ explores Illinois teen's deadly drug dispute
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS: Gaege Bethune, following his conviction for first-degree murder predicated on aggravated battery in the Pravin Varughese case, now faces a sentence of 20 to 60 years in an Illinois prison. This sentence underscores the seriousness of the crime he committed, which led to the tragic loss of Pravin Varughese, a student at Southern Illinois University.
The case unfolded after Varughese went missing in 2014, leading to an extensive search effort. His body was eventually found in a wooded area outside Carbondale. Investigations revealed that Bethune, thought to be the last person to have seen Varughese alive, had been involved in an altercation with him on the night of his disappearance.
Initially, authorities attributed Pravin's death to hypothermia, possibly exacerbated by drugs and alcohol. However, Varughese's family, spearheaded by his mother Lovely Varughese, rejected this explanation. They advocated for additional investigation, convinced that there was a deeper truth to uncover.
The case attracted widespread attention, and Monica Zukas, a local radio host, became involved. Like Lovely Varughese, Zukas found the circumstances surrounding Varughese's death unsettling and began questioning her listeners through her show. Through this, a connection was formed between Zukas and Varughese's mother, both of whom had experienced the loss of a child in unexpected circumstances.
Together, Lovely Varughese and Monica Zukas embarked on a private investigation, determined to uncover the truth about what happened to Pravin. Over nearly four years, they pursued leads and fought for justice, refusing to let his case fade into obscurity, till they found answers to the mystery behind Pravin's death.
'Dateline NBC' new episode delves into the case again, as Dennis Murphy reports this Sunday, April 28 at 10 p.m.
Who is Gaege Bethune?
Gaege Bethune is a central figure in the tragic case surrounding the death of Pravin Varughese, a Southern Illinois University student. Bethune hails from Jackson County, Illinois, and found himself at the center of a legal battle after being accused of involvement in Varughese's death.
Born and raised in the Jackson County area, Bethune's life took a drastic turn when he became embroiled in the events leading up to Varughese's demise. As a young man in his early twenties at the time of the incident, Bethune's background and personal history were scrutinized as the case unfolded.
How did Gaege Bethune know Pravin Varughese?
Gaege Bethune was a friend of Pravin Varughese, but their fate originated from a night that would later become central to a tragic and highly publicized case. On the evening of February 12, 2014, both individuals found themselves at a party near Southern Illinois University, where Varughese was a student. It was here that their paths intersected, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led to Varughese's untimely death.
According to accounts provided during the subsequent investigation and trial, Bethune and Varughese encountered each other at the party. It is believed that at some point during the gathering, Varughese, who was allegedly seeking cocaine, met Bethune.
Bethune offered Varughese a ride, which the latter accepted. As they left the party together, the night took a fateful turn, with their interaction escalating into a confrontation. The details surrounding the nature of their encounter remain disputed and murky, with conflicting testimonies and accounts emerging during the legal proceedings.
However, it has been reported that an altercation ensued between the two young men during their drive, possibly fueled by tensions or disagreements arising from their differing intentions or circumstances.
Amid the unfolding events, the situation spiraled out of control, culminating in tragic consequences. Varughese, in a state of distress or fear, purportedly fled from the vehicle into the nearby woods, seeking refuge or escape from the escalating conflict.
Tragically, Varughese's flight into the darkness of the woods would be his last, as he succumbed to the harsh elements and died before help could reach him. His body was discovered days later, sparking a wave of shock and grief throughout the community and beyond.
Lovely Varughese and Monika Zukas investigate privately
Lovely Varughese, a grieving mother determined to seek justice for her son, found an unexpected ally in Monika Zukas, a local radio personality with a passion for seeking truth and advocating for the community.
Their connection began when Monika, deeply unsettled by the circumstances surrounding Pravin Varughese's death, chose to use her platform to raise awareness and probe into the unanswered questions surrounding the case.
Monika, as a radio host, started questioning her listeners about the case, hoping to spark discussions that might shed light on the truth. Little did she know that her inquiries would lead her to cross paths with Lovely Varughese, who was tirelessly seeking answers of her own.
As Lovely listened to Monika's radio show, she felt a sense of resonance with the host's relentless pursuit of justice. Their shared commitment to uncovering the truth created a bond between them, rooted in their mutual determination to find closure and hold those responsible for Pravin's death accountable.
Recognizing a shared sense of purpose, Lovely and Monika joined forces, embarking on a private investigation into Pravin's death. Together, they delved into the details of the case, poring over evidence, questioning witnesses, and tirelessly advocating for justice.
Gaege Bethune says ‘I hit him’ during court trials
During the courtroom trials, Gaege Bethune's admission of "I hit him" resonated profoundly, as it cast light on the sequence of events leading to Pravin Varughese's tragic demise and offered a crucial piece of evidence in the case. Bethune's testimony recounted the events of that pivotal night, acknowledging his involvement in a physical altercation with Pravin.
His candid acknowledgment marked a pivotal moment in the trial, bringing clarity to the circumstances surrounding Pravin's death. Alongside Bethune's statements, Lovely Varughese, Pravin's mother, shared her sentiments, expressing gratitude for the guilty verdict and the closure it provided for her family. "I am so thankful we got this for him so he can rest in peace and we can live with his beautiful memories," she said, reflecting on the emotional journey her family endured.
Gaege Bethune indicted on two counts of felony first-degree murder
Following his indictment on two counts of felony first-degree murder, Gaege Bethune faced a lengthy legal process as the case unfolded. Ultimately, after a two-week trial and deliberation by the jury, Bethune was found guilty of first-degree murder predicated on aggravated battery.
However, he was found not guilty of first-degree murder predicated on robbery. The sentencing for Bethune's conviction ranged from 20 to 60 years in prison, a significant punishment reflecting the severity of the crime. Despite this verdict, Bethune's legal team indicated plans for a potential appeal, suggesting that the legal proceedings might continue to unfold.
'Dateline NBC' Season 32 airs new episodes every Friday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.