Full Breakdown
Triple Homicide in Crete Township: Jenna Strouble Charged with Murder
3/26/2026, 12:08:49 AM
Overview of the Incident
Jenna Strouble, a 30-year-old woman from St. John, Indiana, has been charged with nine counts of first-degree murder following the deaths of her on-and-off boyfriend, Jacob Lambert, 32, and his parents, Stacy Forde, 54, and Patrick Forde, 55. The incident occurred early Monday morning in Crete Township, Illinois, where authorities discovered Lambert's body in a car outside the family home, while his parents were found dead inside the residence.
Details of the Crime
The Will County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies were called to the Forde residence around 2 a.m. for a welfare check. Upon arrival, they found Lambert deceased in the driveway and his parents inside the home, near the front door. Investigators determined that Strouble had specifically targeted the family. A firearm matching the one used in the murders was recovered from Strouble's home after her arrest later that day. Strouble had fled the scene and was apprehended in Indiana.
Background of the Victims and Suspect
Jacob Lambert and Jenna Strouble had a tumultuous relationship, marked by domestic issues that led to Strouble's involuntary commitment in January 2025. The couple shared two young children, Ella and Rhett, who were not present during the incident. Stacy Forde, the victims' mother, was the director of finance at Roeda, a printing company in Lynwood, Illinois, where she was remembered fondly by colleagues as a dedicated and loving individual.
Community Reaction
The murders have sent shockwaves through the small community of Crete Township, which prides itself on its family-friendly environment. Family members and friends expressed their grief on social media, with Emily Conner, a relative of Lambert, stating, “Our hearts are incredibly heavy, and there truly aren’t words for a loss like this.” Roeda's tribute to Stacy Forde highlighted her commitment to her family and her work, asking the public to keep her surviving son and extended family in their thoughts and prayers.
Official Statements & Responses
The Will County Sheriff's Office indicated that the investigation revealed incriminating statements made by Strouble during her police interview. They emphasized that the incident appeared to be domestic in nature, and there was no ongoing threat to the public. The sheriff's office also noted the importance of seeking help regarding domestic violence, suggesting that such tragic events could potentially be avoided.
Criticism & Opposition
While the investigation is ongoing, some community members have raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the tragic event, particularly regarding the previous domestic incidents involving Strouble and Lambert. The lack of preventive measures in domestic violence cases has been a point of discussion among local advocates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
As of now, the exact cause of death for the victims has not been disclosed, pending autopsy and toxicology reports. Additionally, while some reports indicate that the incident was targeted, others have not confirmed this detail, leaving some ambiguity regarding the motivations behind the crime.
What's Next
Jenna Strouble is currently being held at the Lake County Jail in Indiana and awaits extradition to Illinois to face the murder charges. The community continues to mourn the loss of the Forde family, with memorials and tributes emerging in their honor.
