True crime enthusiasts, take note: we’re delving into a chilling intersection of reality TV and real-life horror. Imagine the shock and sorrow when families who’ve once opened their homes to television audiences, inviting us to peek through the keyhole at their domestic lives, are later thrust into the grim headlines for tragic reasons. This list compiles some of the most harrowing cases where families once featured on Wife Swap, a reality show about families exchanging spouses to experience new lifestyles, have been shattered by murder.
Perhaps the most jarring example involves the Stockdale family, whose brush with TV fame took a dark turn. Known for their appearance on a 2008 episode of Wife Swap, their story culminated in a grim 2017 incident that left two family members dead at the hands of one of their own, Jacob Stockdale. This list was crafted by true crime buffs and is a sobering reminder that calamity can strike anywhere, far from the scripted safety of television.
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On June 15, 2017, Jacob Stockdale Fatally Shot His Mother And Brother
Jacob Stockdale fatally shot his mother and brother on June 15, 2017. Both family members died instantly from gunshot wounds to the head, and 25-year-old Jacob intended to then die by suicide; however, he ultimately survived after emergency responders rushed him to the hospital.
Jacob’s two other brothers and father were not home at the time of the murders, and there exist very few speculations about why Jacob turned on his family members. While Jacob was transported to the hospital, the family hoped for his recovery.
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Photo: Wife Swap / Hulu / Fair Use
Police Responded To A 911 Hang-Up Call
The morning of the murders, a 911 call was made to the local police department in Beach City, OH. When the 911 operator answered the phone, the caller quickly hung up. This raised concerns for the department, and officers were dispatched to the Stockdale home.
Upon arrival, officers heard one gunshot and rushed into the house. They found Jacob near the bodies of his mother and brother with a wound to his head. They determined Jacob was the assailant and transported him to the city hospital.
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Photo: Wife Swap / RDF Media / Zodiak Media
In 2008, Jacob Stockdale And His Family Appeared On The ABC Show ‘Wife Swap’
In the early 2000s, reality TV was on the rise, and the Stockdale family decided to participate in the experience. The television show Wife Swap was popular with viewers; each episode showcased two families with different philosophies who swapped wives for a week.
On the April 23, 2008 episode, the Stockdale family switched wives with the Tonkovic family. Laurie, the Tonkovic matriarch, was easy-going and laid back, which was a shockingly different from Jacob’s mom, Kathy.
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Photo: Wife Swap / RDF Media / Zodiak Media
Jacob Had A Very Strict Upbringing
Jacob struggled with his strict upbringing, telling Laurie that his mom and dad would tell him that he would “burn in hell” when Laurie tried to loosen the rules and have some fun. The Stockdale family claimed they wanted to protect their four boys from bad influences and banned them from several activities.
Jacob’s mother, Kathy, didn’t believe in video games or dating, and her children had to work hard to earn such privileges as listening to the radio. Kathy forbade any foul language, and the siblings were rarely allowed to make their own decisions. The family was also kept in relative seclusion and didn’t often have contact with the outside world.
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In October 2018, Jacob Was Charged With The Murders
In October 2018, Jacob submitted himself to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office after he learned of his indictment by a grand jury. The arrest brought some closure to the Stockdale family, but Jacob’s trial wouldn’t begin until two years later.
Jacob pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and was placed in a mental institution for observation. Jacob stayed at the mental institution until his trial but struggled to remain confined, attempting to escape on several occasions.
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Jacob Attempted To Escape The Mental Hospital Twice
In November 2019, Jacob devised a plan to escape the mental hospital where he was being held. Jacob knew stacks of books would be transported in and out of the hospital and decided his best plan of action was to flee by hiding behind the stacks of books as they were being removed. Jacob was ultimately caught before he could escape the building.
A month later, he attempted escape once again, this time with a more obvious approach: He tried to blend in with a group of people leaving the institution but was quickly discovered before he could make it out of the doors.
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Photo: Wife Swap / RDF Media / Zodiak Media
A Doctor Determined Jacob Was Clinically Sane At The Time Of The Murders
While Jacob was under observation at the institution, Dr. Arcangela Wood determined Jacob was clinically sane when he committed the murders. According to Wood, based on reasonable psychological certainty, Jacob did not have a severe mental illness when he was charged.
Wood also found no disease or defects in Jacob and noted that he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. Due to Wood’s report, Jacob was deemed able of standing trial, as Wood believed Jacob was capable of understanding court proceedings.
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A Week Before The Trials Were Set To Begin, Jacob Pleaded Guilty To The Murder
Jacob’s trial was slated to begin in early 2021 but was pushed back due to COVID-related delays. During his stay in the institution, Jacob’s family asked the judge for leniency in Jacob’s sentencing.
Jacob eventually pleaded guilty to the murders of his mother and brother. He did not receive the death sentence but did receive a total of 30 years behind bars.
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Photo: Wife Swap / RDF Media / Zodiak Media
A Judge Sentenced Jacob To Two 15-Year Sentences
An Ohio judge sentenced Jacob to serve two 15-year sentences consecutively – 15 years for each death. While Jacob never shared his motives with the jury or the media, several theories have circulated.
Jacob’s Wife Swap mom, Laurie, believed a lack of free will may have caused Jacob to snap. She claims that, due to the boys’ inability to make their own decisions, Jacob felt the strict lifestyle catch up to him.
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Photo: Wife Swap / RDF Media / Zodiak Media
Jacob’s Family Continues To Mourn Their Loss
Jacob’s mother and brother left behind siblings, children, family, and friends who adored them. According to Calvin, Jacob’s older brother, their brother James was a catalyst for fun in the Stockdale family, and their mother was a passionate parent and grandmother.
After Jacob received his sentence, the Stockdale family has stayed relatively quiet regarding the Wife Swap murders, and due to their reclusive lifestyle, updates on the family’s healing are scarce. However, they have stated that they continue to mourn the loss of their younger brother and their family matriarch as they attempt to move on from the tragedy.
