Mother of man shot to death in West Anchorage speaks out

The mother of a man who was

is speaking out about the incident that killed her son.

On March 16, traffic was piled up behind a dark colored sedan on Dewberry St. Later, police found Jacob Stough, 28, shot to death inside.

Now, Stough's mother, Jodi Hall, says that while she's a forgiving person, the person or people responsible for Jacob's death need to be brought to justice.

"I forgive whoever did this. Whoever did it needs to be punished, but I forgive them just the same," Hall said.

Hall, who lives on the Kenai Penninsula away from her son who lives in Anchorage, said she hadn't seen him in person for almost a year, but the news of his killing took her completely by surprise.

"We just couldn't believe it, and when I found out he was targeted and shot, I just don't know what's going on," Hall said. "He's my youngest. And all I know is that he was targeted and shot."

In an emotional interview with KTUU, Hall said her other son and Jacob's older brother, called her at 3 a.m. on the morning after the shooting, and told her that Jacob was gone.

"His name is Jacob Joseph," Hall said, "He's a beautiful boy, beautiful, good heart, just beautiful. I have his pictures right here, and I just never would have thought I would have to make arraignments for my son. I just can't believe it."

MJ Thim, spokesperson for APD, said that at this stage in the investigation, not many other details can be released about what led to Jacob's death.

In a community alert issued after the shooting, APD said they believe the incident was drug-related. Thim said this was due to "paraphernalia found inside the vehicle, as well as other evidence collected and people who have been interviewed so far."

Jacob was found in the driver seat of the vehicle that night, and it is not apparent whether the car was still running or if the engine had been switched off.

For Jacob's mother Jodi, there are still more questions than answers right now.