CANTON, Ohio — The trial of an Ohio man charged in the slayings of his mother and brother has been delayed while he receives mental treatment in the wake of conflicting reports about his competency.
The Canton Repository reports a Stark County judge on Monday ordered 26-year-old Jacob Stockdale hospitalized at a secure state psychiatric facility in Massillon based on a second mental health evaluation concluding he’s currently not mentally competent.
Stockdale is charged with murder in the June 2017 shotgun slayings of 54-year-old Kathryn Stockdale and 21-year-old James Stockdale at the family’s Bethlehem Township home, 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of downtown Cleveland.
Judge Frank Forchione says he’s erring on the side of fairness in delaying Stockdale’s trial while he receives treatment.
Stockdale performed with family members in a regional bluegrass band.
