Stockdale Family Bluegrass Band at the Center of Double Murder & Suicide Attempt

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Two members of the Stockdale Family are dead, and the third is in a local hospital after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in an incident Thursday afternoon (6-15). 25-year-old Jacob Stockdale is suspected of shooting his 21-year-old brother James Stockdale and 54-year-old mother Kathryn Stockdale at the family’s farm in the 9000 block of Dolphin St. SW in Stark County, Ohio.

As officers arrived due to a 911 hang up call around 4:36 p.m., Jacob Stockdale reportedly turned the shotgun on himself. Officers say they heard a shot ring out right as they were arriving, and found Jacob Stockdale just inside the door. He currently is in critical condition at the MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

No motive in the killings is currently known. The Stockdales were a well-known bluegrass family band in the Ohio region, and regularly played bluegrass festivals and family-friendly venues in the area. The band was led by father Timothy Stockdale, and was comprised of his four sons. Timothy Stockdale was not at home at the time of the incident, and the eldest brother Calvin no longer lived at the residence. According to Sheriff George T. Maier, there was no indication of any trouble in the home leading up to the incident, and no prior calls to the police had been made to the residence. They are still investigating what led up to the killings, and any motive.

The Stockdale Family Band gained national recognition when they were featured on the popular ABC show Wife Swap in 2008.

Father Timothy Stockdale said in a statement, “Kathy has been my beloved wife of 32 years and a wonderful mother to our four sons. She loved nothing more than being a mother and grandmother. She had a strong love of learning and was passionate about her Christian faith, natural health, and organic farming.”

Eldest brother Calvin Stockdale has also released a statement, saying, “James, our youngest brother, has always been a catalyst of family fun. Aside from being a gifted musician, James enjoyed dancing and had an innate love of people. James was working on a business degree and hoped to go into the business side of entertainment. He leaves behind many friends and a family that love him dearly. My brother, Jacob, is still in critical condition and we are praying for his physical recovery as our family makes funeral plans and begins the healing process.”

Calvin Stockdale also said in an earlier statement, “My family appreciates the prayers and support we are receiving from our friends and the community. We are mourning the loss of my brother and mother and are waiting to learn more about what transpired yesterday afternoon. We thank Sheriff Maier and his staff for their help through this difficult day as well as the staff at Aultman and MetroHealth Medical Center. While support is appreciated we ask for privacy while our family deals with this tragic loss.”

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