Bond, Restrictions Set for Stobaugh Release

A Sanger man whose murder conviction was overturned by an appeals court was released from custody Thursday.

During a bond hearing Thursday, Charles Stobaugh received restrictions for his release from custody. Bond for his release was set at $25,000 and Stobaugh will be required to wear a GPS monitor to help authorities track him if he travels beyond the approved regional restrictions.

Following the hearing, Stobaugh talked with NBC 5 and said he was happy and glad to be heading home.

Stobaugh was convicted by a Denton County jury in 2011 for the murder of his estranged wife Kathy Stobaugh who went missing in late 2004 on the eve of the couple’s divorce. Kathy Stobaugh’s car was found at Charles Stobaugh's farm and after several unsuccessful searches for the body he was charged with her murder.

Last Thursday, the Texas 2nd Court of Appeals overturned the verdict though citing lack of physical evidence against Stobaugh including a body or DNA.

Kathy Stobaugh’s family has expressed disappointment at the reversal and says they are hopeful the county will pursue an appeal of their own to a higher court.

Beck said the DA’s office still has not made a decision on an appeal but that it is “really, really, really likely.”