Full Breakdown
Community Grieves Triple Homicide in Crete Township
3/27/2026, 8:31:18 AM
Tragic Incident Unfolds
On March 26, 2026, a vigil was held in Crete Township to mourn the tragic deaths of Jacob Lambert, 32, his mother Stacy Forde, 54, and her husband Patrick Forde, 55. The three family members were found dead in their home on East Norway Trail in Willow Brook Estates early Monday morning, following a well-being check requested by a concerned relative. The Will County sheriff's office discovered the bodies, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community. Jenna Strouble, a resident of St. John, Indiana, and the mother of Lambert’s children, was charged with first-degree murder the following day.
Community Response and Mourning
The vigil, organized by Terry Cox, pastor of First Apostolic Church of Steger, drew a significant crowd, far exceeding initial expectations. “We were expecting maybe 12, 14,” said Cox, noting that nearly a hundred attendees filled the street in front of the Forde home. Many brought flowers, and the atmosphere was one of collective sorrow and support. “The Forde family was definitely individuals that looked out for their neighbors,” Cox reflected, sharing memories of their kindness, including their efforts at a local food pantry.
The Impact on Neighbors
Alyssa Cox, Terry's wife, expressed the profound sense of loss felt within the close-knit community. “This family, they were lights. They were lights in this neighborhood,” she stated, highlighting the Forde family's role in fostering connections among residents. The tragedy has prompted neighbors to come together, sharing hugs and support, which Alyssa noted would not have occurred without the Forde family's influence. “If they knew that they could bring the community together in this way, I know that they’d be very, very happy about that,” she added.
Reflections on Community Bonds
During the vigil, Terry Cox encouraged attendees to pray together, emphasizing the importance of knowing one another in a world where fear can hinder connections. “We don’t know the light that our neighbor has,” he remarked, urging the community to cherish their relationships. The vigil not only served as a memorial for the Forde family but also as a reminder of the strength and unity within Willow Brook Estates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit,'” — Terry Cox, Pastor
- “This family, they were lights. They were lights in this neighborhood,” — Alyssa Cox, Neighbor
- “I can’t believe it,” — Blaine Lamb-Rosenfeldt, Attendee
- “That’s a terrible feeling.” — Alyssa Cox, Neighbor
Conclusion
The tragic loss of the Forde family has left a deep impact on the Crete Township community, highlighting the importance of connection and support among neighbors. As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the homicides continues, the community remains united in grief and remembrance.
