Jacob Hoysted: Accused teen murderer lied to BaptistCare Bethel aged care facility in Albany about charges

The teenager charged with the murder of an Albany nursing home resident was already facing a serious criminal charge when he was hired, despite declaring he didn’t have any criminal charges against him. Jacob Hoysted appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court on October 7 on the charge last year, just four days before he was employed by BaptistCare Bethel aged care facility in Albany as a care partner on October 11. The West is not revealing the nature of the charge for legal reasons. The 19-year-old was arrested and charged by homicide detectives last Friday, December 23, after he allegedly strangled 70-year-old Monica Stockdale to death on November 28. During a brief appearance in Perth Magistrates Court on Christmas Eve, the Orana man spoke only to acknowledge that he understood the charge. A spokesperson for BaptistCare said that the company was unaware of Mr Hoysted’s previous charge and that there had not been any complaints about Mr Hoysted’s care during his time working at the facility. “All employees must provide a valid National Police Clearance that is not more than 12 months old, and Jacob complied with this,” the BaptistCare spokesperson said. “Jacob declared he had never been charged or convicted or found guilty of an offence of any nature in Australia or overseas and signed our code of conduct which includes a statement that he would report any violations of law, ethical principles or internal policies and practices.” In light of the murder charge, BaptistCare confirmed that it is now investigating its employment policies and practices. The revelation comes amid allegations that Mr Hoysted had a troubled past, including claims of animal mistreatment and drug abuse. A source, speaking to The West under the condition of anonymity, claimed that Mr Hoysted was admitted to a psychiatric facility after strangling a cat to death and that he had boasted of drug abuse, including LSD and MDMA. The teenager started working at the facility in October 2021 and was employed up until Boxing Day this year. The centre spokesperson revealed the man was only on the ward twice during his employment — including the day he is accused of murdering Ms Stockdale. At the time of his hiring, Mr Hoysted held a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home Community) from a registered training organisation in Albany. Senior BaptistCare leaders travelled down to Albany at the weekend and have been providing support to residents, employees, and their families, including specialist counselling. “Bethel residents and our team are shocked and deeply saddened by what has occurred,” the spokesperson said. “Although our team are understandably upset, they continue to put the care and wellbeing of Bethel’s residents first and it is a testament to their dedication, care and compassion.” Mr Hoysted is due to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on January 18.