Ex-girlfriend arrested after three family members found dead in Illinois home
Authorities in Illinois are investigating a fatal incident that left three members of the same family dead at their home in Crete Township, a suburban community about 40 minutes outside Chicago.
Officials confirmed the killings were targeted, with a suspect now in custody after allegedly fleeing across state lines.
Will County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the residence around 2 a.m. Monday for a welfare check. Upon arrival, they discovered three victims deceased, while a person of interest had already left the scene.
The victims were identified as 32-year-old Jacob Lambert and his parents, Stacy Forde, 54, and Patrick Forde, 55. Authorities said Lambert was found in the driveway, while his parents were located inside the home near the front door. All three lived at the property.
Arrest made after interstate search
Police identified 30-year-old Jenna Strouble, Lambert’s ex-girlfriend, as the suspect. According to the Daily Mail, she was later located in St. John, Indiana, just across the Illinois border.
Authorities said Strouble was taken into custody and is expected to be extradited to Illinois, where she will face nine counts of first-degree murder.
Officials explained that Illinois law allows multiple charges per victim under different legal theories, resulting in nine counts for three deaths.
Investigators said Strouble made incriminating statements during interviews, and a firearm believed to have been used in the killings was recovered.
Authorities have not yet released the victims’ causes of death.
Community reacts as tributes emerge
In the days following the incident, tributes have been shared by those who knew the victims. Stacy Forde’s employer, Roeda, said she had worked as director of finance for nearly 22 years.
“She was more than a co-worker to many of us; she was like family,” the company said, noting her love for family and community.
Family member Emily Conner also paid tribute, writing, “Our hearts are incredibly heavy, and there truly aren’t words for a loss like this.”
She added that Lambert had recently marked one year of sobriety, a milestone that meant a great deal to those close to him.
Neighbors told ABC affiliate WLS-TV they were shocked by the violence. One resident said deputies were canvassing the area, while another recalled seeing the family just a day earlier.
Authorities noted the family’s dog survived the incident and remained inside the home. The sheriff’s office added that such tragedies highlight the importance of seeking help in situations involving domestic violence.
