Murder-Suicide Update: They Were Brothers

From Sheriff David Walker: June 8, 2009 at approximately 11:30p.m. Wise County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a family friend of Jeremy Stanford. The caller reported that she had not heard from Stanford and that it seemed to be out of character for him not to return her calls. The caller reported that Stanford was living at 3893 N US HWY 287 with his parents and brother Jason Stanford. Responding to conduct a welfare concern, Deputy Travis Waddell observed blood on the front porch of the residence, and subsequently located two bodies. Investigators, along with the Texas Ranger, are investigating this case as a questionable death: probable murder-suicide. Two deceased males were located inside the residence, with one victim having an apparent stab wound. Investigators were able to determine that the two deceased victims were brothers, which had been in an altercation prior to their deaths. Evidence found at the scene indicates that Jason Stanford inflicted the injury on his brother which caused his death. There were no obvious signs of cause of death regarding Jason Stanford. Investigators will work with medical examiner to determine the official cause of death on both victims. Justice of the Peace Terri Johnson pronounced both victims deceased at the scene and ordered an autopsy. At the present time, Wise County Investigators, as well as Texas Ranger Jim Holland are attending the autopsy. Identity of the victims are: Jason Stanford DOB:11-16-1975 Jeremy Daniel Stanford DOB: 04-09-1982