Mother-of-Two Confesses to Triple Murder After Luring Ex-Partner with Car Massage
Prosecutors have revealed chilling details about a triple murder case in Illinois, where a mother-of-two allegedly confessed to killing her former partner and his parents in a calculated shooting spree. Jenna Strouble, aged 30, stands accused of murdering Jacob Lambert, 32, described as her "friends with benefits" partner and father of her two children, before driving to his parents' home and fatally shooting them as well.
Calculated Killing Unfolds in Chicago Suburb
The alleged murder spree was discovered when police responded to a welfare check at a comfortable home in Crete Township, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, in the early hours of March 23. Officers found three victims: Jacob Lambert, his mother Stacy Forde, 54, and his stepfather Patrick Forde, 55, all deceased at the property. According to newly released court documents, Strouble admitted to investigators that she carried out the killings, though she reportedly "didn't offer much of a motive" beyond expressing dissatisfaction with Lambert's parenting style.
Massage Gun Ruse Preceded Fatal Shooting
Court records, first reported by Fox8, detail how Strouble allegedly planned the murders months in advance. She reportedly purchased a Glock-19 handgun "solely for this plan" before luring Lambert into her car on March 22 by asking if he wanted to hang out and go for a drive. The pair drove to Plum Creek Nature Preserve, but finding it closed, Strouble pulled over and told Lambert she had a surprise for him.
Prosecutors say Strouble told investigators she offered to give Lambert a back massage, pulling out an electric massage gun. Lambert lay on his back while Strouble straddled him and massaged him for approximately twenty minutes. Strouble then allegedly admitted to pulling out the Glock and "holding it pointed to the back of his head for about eight minutes while massaging him" before finally pulling the trigger.
Parents Targeted in Subsequent Attack
After allegedly murdering her former partner, with whom police said she maintained an "occasional intimate relationship," Strouble then drove to his parents' home. Court documents state that Strouble told investigators she walked up to their front door, and as soon as Patrick Forde opened it, she "began shooting." Police were called hours later around 2 a.m. on March 23 for a welfare check, finding both Patrick and Stacy Forde with multiple gunshot wounds, pronounced dead at the scene.
Lambert was also found dead in the driveway of the home. Investigators believe Strouble moved his body from her vehicle and dumped it near his mother and stepfather's bodies at the property. Images of Strouble's vehicle later showed a window appearing to be shot out.
Arrest and Charges Follow Fleeing Suspect
Strouble fled the scene before the bodies were discovered and was arrested hours later across the state line in St John, Indiana. She now faces nine counts of first-degree murder for the alleged killing spree. Sources told WLS-TV that the couple's young children were not at the home when the alleged murders unfolded, providing some relief in an otherwise tragic situation.
Police indicated that Strouble "didn't provide much of a motive for the killings other than not liking the way Jake spoke to the children or that she feels his parents are overbearing." The sheriff's office released a statement emphasizing that "tragic events like this can be avoided for those wishing to seek help and assistance regarding domestic violence."
Community and Family Left Reeling
The victims' family and community have been left devastated by the killings. Stacy Forde's employer, Roeda, a Lynwood-based sign shop where she served as Director of Finance for nearly twenty-two years, paid tribute to her on social media. Colleagues described her as "more than a co-worker" who "enjoyed life and loved a great concert," noting she was like family to many at the company and valued her family and religion deeply.
Emily Conner, a family member, expressed the collective grief on social media, writing: "Our hearts are incredibly heavy, and there truly aren't words for a loss like this." She added that Jake Lambert had recently celebrated one year of sobriety, something the family was "so proud of" and that meant "so much." Conner concluded by noting that the children, Ella and Rhett, "are going to miss their Dad, Papa and Grandma more than words can express."
Neighbors Express Shock and Horror
Neighbors in Crete Township were left in shock after the tragedy. Shayla Dross told local ABC affiliate WLS-TV that police were knocking on doors all day after the killings. Jennifer Brown described feeling "numb" after hearing the news, adding, "I feel like I'm in the middle of a horror story. They were just over here yesterday, all three of them. And we were hanging out."
Jim Brown told the outlet he saw all three victims in the home the day before they were killed. "Now, they are gone, and I'm not an emotional person. But something like that hits home," he said. Property records indicate the couple bought the home in 2020 for $295,900, with Zillow now valuing it at $414,000. Police confirmed all three victims were residents of the home.
Strouble appeared in court for arraignment but requested to re-appear the next day because her attorney could not be present. The case continues to unfold as investigators piece together the full sequence of events in this disturbing triple murder.
