It was maybe the darkest dose of reality from reality TV.
Last year, Jacob Stockdale was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound by the bodies of his mother, Kathryn, and his little brother, James.
Police believed the 26-year-old shot his family members to death before turning the gun on himself.
The family had appeared on a 2008 episode of Wife Swap which gave another family’s mom — and America — a glimpse into the home life of a devoutly religious family; Jacob and his brothers were not allowed to date girls, watch TV, play video games, or listen to pop music.
Related: The Other Mom Blames Upbringing For Murders
Jacob’s recovery, which included facial reconstruction, has taken months and delayed prosecutors, but now that he’s able to walk on his own and communicate, he’s finally facing the legal system.
CantonRep reports an Ohio grand jury issued a secret indictment charging him with two counts of murder at the end of September — but kept the death penalty off the table.
Jacob turned himself in and pleaded not guilty to the crimes — though we are at a loss what kind of defense he could possibly mount.
He will face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Do YOU think this is the right punishment for murdering two family members??
[Image via ABC/Vimeo/Stark County Sheriff’s Office.]
