An Ohio man whose family band was featured on the reality TV show “Wife Swap” is in critical condition after allegedly killing his mother and brother and then shooting himself in the head.
Jacob Stockdale, 25, was found in his Beach City home on June 15 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to CBS News. Police also found the bodies of Jacob’s mother, 54-year-old Kathryn Stockdale, and his younger brother, 21-year-old James Stockdale.
Kathryn and James had reportedly been shot with a shotgun. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Jacob reportedly shot himself as police officers approached the residence after receiving a 911 hang-up call.
“This is a tragedy for the family. It is a tragedy for the community,” Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier said, adding, “It’s hard to surmise what the motive may have been. There’s some speculation.”
Jacob played fiddle alongside James and their father, Timothy Stockdale, in the Stockdale Family Band. Kathryn worked as the band’s manager, according to WEWS.
Formed in 2004, the Stockdale Family band originally included Jacob’s older brothers, Calvin and Charles, who left the group when they moved out of Stark County.
In 2008, the band was featured on ABC’s “Wife Swap,” a reality show in which women from different backgrounds trade families for two weeks. The Stockdales were depicted as a deeply religious family that prohibited swearing, TV and video games. Both Jacob and James were homeschooled.
Timothy, who was not home when the alleged murders took place, issued a statement lamenting the death of his wife.
“Kathy has been my beloved wife of 32 years and a wonderful mother to our four sons,” he said, according to WEWS. “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.”
Calvin described his brother, James, as a talented musician who was studying business in college.
“James, our youngest brother, has always been a catalyst of family fun,” Calvin said in a statement. “Aside from being a gifted musician, James enjoyed dancing and had an innate love of people.”
He added that 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.”
WEWS reports that the Stockdale Family Band had concerts scheduled throughout the summer. Their most recent performance was on June 13.