A 30-year-old woman from St. John, Indiana, has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of her children’s father and his parents in what prosecutors allege was a planned triple homicide in late March 2026.
Victims Identified
Authorities identified the victims as 32-year-old Jacob Lambert, the father of the suspect’s two young children, along with his mother, 54-year-old Stacy Forde, and his stepfather, 55-year-old Patrick Forde.
Officials confirmed that all three victims died from gunshot wounds. The case has drawn significant attention due to the number of victims and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Incident Details
According to prosecutors from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, the events occurred between Sunday night, March 22, and early Monday, March 23, 2026.
Investigators allege that the suspect met with Jacob Lambert under the pretense of a drive. Authorities stated that the vehicle was parked in a cul-de-sac in Crete Township, where the victim was reportedly offered a massage before being shot.
Following that incident, prosecutors allege that the suspect drove to the residence where the victims’ family lived. Using keys belonging to Jacob Lambert, she allegedly entered the home.
Inside the residence, authorities say the suspect encountered Patrick Forde and opened fire. Stacy Forde was reportedly shot after coming downstairs. Both victims were found dead at the scene.
Officials confirmed that two young children, ages 3 and 4, were inside the home during the incident but were not physically harmed.
Investigation and Evidence
Law enforcement officials stated that the case appears to have been planned in advance. Prosecutors allege that the suspect obtained a firearm months before the incident and used it in the shootings.
Authorities have also reviewed statements made during the investigation and other evidence collected in the case. Investigators continue to examine the sequence of events and the circumstances leading up to the shootings.
The case is being handled by the Will County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with local prosecutors.
Motive and Background
Prosecutors stated that the alleged motive involved concerns related to family and custody issues. According to court documents, the suspect expressed dissatisfaction with how the children’s father parented and wanted to prevent the children’s grandparents from gaining custody.
Officials also referenced prior concerns involving the suspect’s mental health history, noting that there were reported past incidents involving suicidal and homicidal thoughts. These details are part of the ongoing court proceedings and have not been independently verified beyond official records presented in court.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The suspect, identified as Jenna Strouble, is facing nine counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
She appeared in court on March 30 and March 31, 2026, where a judge is reviewing whether she will remain in custody while awaiting trial.
The legal process is ongoing, and no final rulings have been made regarding guilt or sentencing.
Ongoing Case
Authorities continue to investigate the case as it moves through the court system. Officials have not released additional details at this time, and further updates are expected as proceedings continue.
