Stockdale Family Bluegrass Band at the Center of Double Murder & Suicide Attempt
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.”
June 18, 2017 @ 6:35 pm
I had never heard of this band before but man, how horrible and tragic. Just an awful situation all the way around.
June 18, 2017 @ 7:14 pm
This would make a good country song
June 18, 2017 @ 7:54 pm
Like Matty, I’ve also never heard of this band, but this is absolutely sickening and tragic to hear about… I don’t know what kind of sick fuck would kill his mother, no, just family members in general, but it’s all around just tragic. I’ll keep the family in my thoughts and prayers, except for Jacob of course.
June 18, 2017 @ 10:16 pm
Jacob may need more thoughts and prayers than any of them…I agree, I don’t know what possesses someone to do such a thing, though. All around tragic thing to happen.
June 19, 2017 @ 6:01 am
Sounds like ole’ Jacob here had some personal demons, mix that in with recent discovery of hard drugs and alcohol (most likely, no evidence to drugs being involved yet) and an extremely strict upbringing by religious nuts and all this really isn’t that hard to believe.
June 19, 2017 @ 8:23 am
We have no right to judge . If you don’t know the people keep you thoughts to yourself
June 19, 2017 @ 2:04 pm
Yes, indeed. Calling the family “religious nuts” is extremely disrespectful, especially at a time like this. We don’t know yet what happened, what the circumstances were, and I will not feed the rumor mill. Let the facts tell the story when they’re presented.
June 19, 2017 @ 2:28 pm
Aman
June 18, 2017 @ 9:29 pm
Wow, really sad. I haven’t heard of them either but this is awful. I Just feel like people are really off the rails right now. Scary world we’re living in right now.
June 19, 2017 @ 6:48 am
We also play bluegrass music and have known this family for over twenty years. No one would’ve ever guessed this could happen. It is a shock to the whole bluegrass community so please spare this family and everyone else your rude comments. There is no answer at this point as to why this happened. Please pray for this family
June 19, 2017 @ 8:55 am
This is truly a tradgey these people need our prayers not criticizing them you never know what may happen in your own family but for the grace it could have been you
June 19, 2017 @ 9:02 am
We were fortunate to see this band play in late April 2017 at the Comedy Barn in Berlin, OH. Such talented and beautiful men. Bless them all.
June 19, 2017 @ 2:27 pm
Amen ! Let’s not judge. It could be any of us. And yes let’s pray for the fami
June 20, 2017 @ 8:47 am
this family enriched my life the two times I was privileged to see them. my prayers are with them all. especially Dad, Timothy & Jacob who needs our prayers most of all. Sharon
May 25, 2018 @ 9:46 am
I HEARD THIS FAMILY MANY TIMES,SURE WAS A SHOCK..JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT HAPPENED..PRAYING FOR JACOB,AND REST OF FAMILY
may 25.2018