Jacob Stockdale of Stockdale Family Band Charged with Murder of Mom, Brother

Jacob Stockdale of the Stockdale Family Bluegrass Band has been officially charged with two counts of murder in the killing of his mother, Kathryn Stockdale (54), and his younger brother, James Stockdale (21) on June 15th, 2017 at the family’s home in Stark County, Ohio.

As officers arrived at the residence due to a 911 hang up call on June 15th, Jacob Stockdale turned a shotgun on himself. Officers say they heard a shot ring out right as they were arriving, and found Jacob Stockdale just inside the door in with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They later discovered the mother and brother dead. After receiving extensive medical treatment over the last 15 months, Jacob Stockdale can now walk and communicate.

In late September, a Stark County grand jury finally indicted Jacob Stockdale in the two murders. He could face 15 years to life in prison for each of the charges. Prosecutors say they waited until Jacob could walk and communicate before bringing the indictments. Stockdale turned himself into authorities on September 27th, and is currently being housed at the Stark County Jail. He plead not guilty to the two charges.

The Stockdale Family Bluegrass Band was well-known throughout the Ohio region, and received national exposure when they appeared on the reality TV show Wife Swap. The father, Timothy Stockdale, was not at home at the time of the incident, and the oldest brother, Calvin Stockdale, was not living at home at the time.

“In the past fifteen months our family has begun the healing process,” said Timothy Stockdale in a statement. “As Jacob has undergone extensive surgeries and physical healing from his wounds, we have all taken the time to try and prepare emotionally for the legal issues ahead. My sons and I continue to love Jacob and we will continue to give our full cooperation to the authorities.”

READ: God, Family, Bluegrass & Murder: Inside the Stockdale Family Band

No motive in the killings has been given by prosecutors. The family was devoutly religious, and home schooled. A pretrial hearing was held on October 8th, with the murder trial pending.

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