The world of reality television is a scary place, especially for one "Wife Swap" family who is now going through one of the most horrific times of their lives. TMZ reports that the Stockdale family is now at the center of a major double murder investigation after one of the children reportedly shot and killed his mom and brother before turning the gun on himself.
'Wife Swap' bloodbath, brother murders family
Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier said during a press conference that officers were called out to investigate a 911 hang-up call late yesterday afternoon.
They spotted someone through an open door of the family home and heard a gunshot go off as they approached the Beach City residence.
Jacob Stockdale attempts suicide after shooting mom and brother
Officers found 25-year-old Jacob Stockdale with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and also found 54-year-old Kathryn Stockdale and 21-year-old James Stockdale dead. Jacob reportedly waited for the police to arrive before pointing the gun at his head and pulling the trigger.
He was flown by helicopter to Cleveland’s Metro Health Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. Cleveland PD is still investigating the events that may have led up to the murders. When speaking with Canton Rep.com reporters, the Sheriff claimed it is too early in the investigation to for answers just yet.
"This is a tragedy for the family. It is a tragedy for the community.”
The oldest brother, Calvin Stockdale released a family statement thanking everyone for the prayers and support, however, stressing what the family desired most right now was privacy.
The "Wife Swap" segment featuring the Stockdale family aired in 2008. The family, during their taping, was described by the show's exec and crew as a "devoutly religious" family.
For those who are unfamiliar with the ABC’s reality show “Wife Swap,” the show takes two families from completely different backgrounds and they swap wives for two weeks.
The family lived a very religious and conservative lifestyle. Neighbors were shocked to hear of such a horrific crime taking place in their quiet neighborhood, and they were especially surprised because it involved the Stockdale family.
It is crimes such as these that come has as a hard and painful lesson to others about just how well you really know your neighbors.
The teenage sons revealed on the show that they had never kissed a girl or been on a date, and they were home-schooled to control their interaction with the outside world. The Stockdale family is best known in Ohio as The Stockdale Family Band.
Band members include James, Jacob, Calvin, and Charles. Right now it is unknown as to what motive Jacob may have had that forced him to shoot and kill his mom and brother.
Some social media fan theories believe it may have had something to do with the families strict rules and conservative upbringing. Whatever the reason, it is just a terrible tragedy that no family should ever have to endure in their lifetime.
Very sad tragedy and innocent victim of the reality show curse
This is purely fan speculation, but, many reality television fans over the years have grown to believe that there is a curse placed on all who participate in reality television. Examples include, "Jon and Kate Plus 8," which ended in a nasty divorce and custody case. "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," canceled after Mama June Shannon was accused of dating a pedophile who molested one of her children, and "Keeping up with the Kardashians," who, are said to destroy the lives of everyone they come in contact with, most of which are professional athletes.
