Jake Lee Eakin was born on November 14, 1990, in Moses Lake, Washington. He grew up in a blended family with one brother and two stepbrothers. Eakin faced challenges in his early years, including a speech disability that made him a target for bullying. Despite these difficulties, he formed a close friendship with his cousin, Evan Savoie.

Eakin's educational journey was marked by struggles; he was placed in special education classes due to learning difficulties. His relationship with Savoie was a significant part of his life, with the two spending considerable time together.

On February 15, 2003, in Ephrata, Washington, 12-year-olds Jake Eakin and Evan Savoie invited their 13-year-old friend, Craig Sorger, to play at Oasis Park. After some time, Savoie asked Craig to feel the ground and count to ten. As Craig complied, Savoie dropped a large rock on his neck, knocking him down, and then proceeded to stab him multiple times with a knife. Eakin joined in by beating Craig with a tree branch.

When Craig didn't return home, his mother became concerned and initiated a search. His body was discovered later that evening in the park. Both Savoie and Eakin were arrested three days later. Eakin eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Savoie, who was initially convicted of first-degree murder. However, Savoie's conviction was overturned due to trial errors, and he later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 20-year sentence.

After serving approximately 14 years, Eakin was released from prison in February 2017. He has since become an anti-abortion activist, claiming a religious transformation during his incarceration. Eakin is married to Marissa, and they have two daughters. The family resides in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Despite his professed reformation, Eakin has faced legal issues post-release, including arrests for trespassing in 2018 and larceny in 2022.