Woman charged in Crete triple homicide shot boyfriend in the head during massage

Prosecutors say Jenna Strouble killed her children's father and his parents in a shocking crime

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:15pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, the metallic texture and dramatic shadows creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A single spent bullet casing, a chilling remnant of the violence that claimed three lives, speaks volumes about the tragic consequences of unresolved domestic conflicts.Joliet Today

Jenna Strouble, 30, of St. John, Indiana, has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of her children's father, Jacob Lambert, 32, and his parents, Stacy Forde, 54, and Patrick Forde, 55, in Crete Township, Illinois. Prosecutors allege Strouble shot Lambert in the head while giving him a massage in a car, then went to the Forde family home and shot both Patrick and Stacy Forde.

Why it matters

The brutal triple homicide has shocked the local community and raised questions about the role of domestic violence and custody disputes in tragic crimes. The case highlights the need for better support systems and intervention for families dealing with relationship issues and mental health challenges.

The details

According to prosecutors, Strouble and Lambert had an 'on/off relationship' and two children together. On March 22, Strouble asked Lambert to go for a drive, then offered him a massage with a massage gun. While he was reclined in the car, she allegedly retrieved a handgun from under the seat and shot him in the head. Strouble then drove to the Forde family home, where she shot Patrick Forde as he answered the door, and Stacy Forde as she came down the stairs. Prosecutors say Strouble was concerned about custody of her children with Lambert.

  • On March 22, Strouble asked Lambert to go for a drive.
  • During the drive, Strouble shot Lambert in the head while giving him a massage.
  • Strouble then drove to the Forde family home and shot Patrick and Stacy Forde.
  • Strouble's sister called police around 2 a.m. on March 23 to report the shootings.
  • Strouble will have a court appearance on Tuesday at the Will County courthouse in Joliet.

The players

Jenna Strouble

A 30-year-old woman from St. John, Indiana, who has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of her children's father and his parents.

Jacob Lambert

The 32-year-old father of Strouble's two children, who she allegedly shot in the head while giving him a massage.

Stacy Forde

The 54-year-old mother of Jacob Lambert, who Strouble allegedly shot and killed at the family's home.

Patrick Forde

The 55-year-old stepfather of Jacob Lambert, who Strouble allegedly shot and killed at the family's home.

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What’s next

Strouble's case is being processed at the Will County courthouse in Joliet, where she will have a court appearance on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when domestic violence, custody disputes, and mental health issues intersect. It underscores the urgent need for better support systems and intervention strategies to prevent such horrific crimes from happening in the future.