In a shocking triple homicide case that has rocked the quiet Chicago suburb of Crete Township, Illinois, authorities have revealed disturbing new details about the final hours of 32-year-old Jacob Q. Lambert. On March 22, 2026, Lambert was found shot to death in a car in the driveway of his family home in the 3400 block of East Norway Trail. Inside the house, his mother, Stacy J. Forde, 54, and stepfather, Patrick J. Forde, 55, were also discovered dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

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Jenna Strouble, 30, of St. John, Indiana — the mother of Lambert’s two young children and his on-again, off-again partner — has been charged with nine counts of first-degree murder in connection with the killings. Court documents and police reports paint a picture of a planned encounter that escalated rapidly, with digital evidence and witness accounts now central to the investigation.

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The Final Contact: Phone Logs and a Tense Meeting

According to investigators, phone records examined by police showed two missed calls and at least one message sent to Jacob Lambert shortly before the fatal encounter. Sources familiar with the case describe the message as having a casual, almost dating-like tone, suggesting a desire to “hang out” or reconnect intimately. Witnesses who observed the pair’s interaction reported that what began as a seemingly routine meeting quickly turned tense, with raised voices and visible discomfort.

Strouble allegedly texted Lambert asking if he wanted to hang out and go for a drive. Lambert reportedly stepped outside to meet her around 7:15 PM, based on accounts and potential surveillance references in early reports. Staff at a nearby location noted he appeared anxious, glancing over his shoulder. The conversation, which unfolded partially out of direct view, did not last long before escalating.

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This was not their first point of contact that evening. The missed calls suggest Lambert may have been avoiding or delayed in responding, adding layers of uncertainty to the dynamics of their relationship. Friends and family have described the pair’s bond as turbulent, marked by periods of co-parenting interspersed with intimacy and conflict.

A Troubled Relationship and Shared Children

Jacob Lambert and Jenna Strouble had been involved in an on-and-off romantic relationship since around 2020. They shared two young children: a 4-year-old daughter named Ella and a 3-year-old son named Rhett. Court filings indicate they were attempting to co-parent while maintaining an occasional intimate relationship, even as Lambert had recently focused on sobriety, according to family statements.

The couple had previously lived together, but their dynamic was strained. In January 2025, deputies responded to a domestic battery call at their shared residence, resulting in Strouble being involuntarily committed for mental health evaluation. Prosecutors noted that Strouble had recently regained custody or access to the children after voluntarily turning them over to Lambert and his family earlier.

Lambert’s family described him as a devoted father who was working to rebuild his life. Strouble, meanwhile, allegedly expressed frustrations in post-arrest interviews about how Lambert spoke to the children and perceived his parents as overbearing in family matters.

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The Alleged Sequence of Events

Prosecutors allege that after the initial meeting and tense conversation, Strouble lured Lambert into her car under the pretense of a “surprise” — offering him a back massage. Lambert reportedly lay face-down in the vehicle. According to Strouble’s own statements to deputies after her arrest, she held a gun (a Glock 19 with a suppressor, purchased months earlier specifically for this purpose, per court docs) to the back of his head for several minutes before firing.

Lambert was found dead in the car in the driveway of the family home. Strouble then allegedly drove to the residence, where Patrick Forde answered the door. She opened fire, striking him multiple times. Stacy Forde was also killed inside the home. Reports indicate a high number of shots were fired in total — one account mentioned around 17 rounds in the second location — suggesting a determined and rapid attack.

Strouble reportedly told authorities she acted because she did not want Lambert’s parents to gain custody of her children. She fled the scene but was arrested at her home in St. John, Indiana, shortly afterward. She waived extradition and is being held in Will County.

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Crime Scene and Community Impact

The killings unfolded in a peaceful, family-oriented neighborhood in Crete Township, part of Will County south of Chicago. Police responded to a welfare check early on March 23 after concerns were raised. The scene was secured with yellow tape, sheriff’s vehicles, and forensic teams processing evidence at the two-story suburban home.

Neighbors reported hearing gunfire, but the rapid nature of the events left little time for intervention. The discovery shocked the community, where the Forde-Lambert family was known for their close ties and involvement in local life. A wake was held for the victims, with tributes highlighting Jacob’s personality, Stacy’s work as a finance director, and Patrick’s role in the family.

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Digital Evidence and Ongoing Investigation

Police have emphasized the role of phone logs, messages, and potential surveillance in building the case. The “dating message” and missed calls are key pieces that help establish timeline and intent. Investigators continue to analyze cell phone data, vehicle records, and any available CCTV or witness statements to corroborate Strouble’s account and determine premeditation.

Strouble faces multiple counts per victim, reflecting the severity of the charges. She appeared in court without an attorney initially and has since had legal representation. A detention hearing was scheduled, and prosecutors are presenting evidence of planning, including the prior gun purchase and her stated motives regarding the children.

Broader Context: Domestic Tensions and Co-Parenting Challenges

This tragedy highlights the complexities and dangers that can arise in high-conflict co-parenting situations, especially those involving past domestic incidents and mental health concerns. Lambert’s recent sobriety journey and efforts to stabilize his family life contrast sharply with the volatility alleged in the relationship.

Family members and friends have expressed heartbreak, noting Lambert’s dedication to his kids and the sudden loss of an entire branch of the family. Strouble’s post-arrest statements, while detailed, have been described as troubling by those close to the case, particularly her comments on the children and family dynamics.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the events of March 22 or prior interactions between Strouble and Lambert to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

Remembering the Victims

Jacob Q. Lambert, 32, is remembered as a father striving for betterment. Stacy J. Forde, 54, and Patrick J. Forde, 55, were loving grandparents and pillars in their household. Their deaths leave two young children without parents or grandparents in devastating circumstances, with extended family stepping in amid the legal proceedings.

The case remains active, with more details expected to emerge in court. For now, the community mourns while grappling with how a seemingly routine request to “hang out” could end in such profound loss.