Woman accused of fatally shooting father of her 2 children amid surprise massage — and then turning gun on his parents



A 30-year-old woman is accused of fatally shooting the father of her two children amid a surprise massage — and then turning the gun on the victim's parents late last month in suburban Chicago.

Jenna Strouble of St. John, Indiana, is charged with first-degree murder of 32-year-old Jacob Lambert, his 54-year-old mother, Stacy Forde, and his 55-year-old stepfather, Patrick Forde, the Chicago Tribune reported. Strouble faces nine murder counts in connection with the killings, WFLD-TV reported.

'[Strouble] didn't provide much of a motive for the killings other than not liking the way Jake speaks to the children or that she feels his parents are overbearing.'

Strouble and Lambert began dating in 2020 and lived together for a short time, the Tribune said, citing prosecutors.

The Will County Sheriff's Office described the pair as having had an "on/off relationship," the paper said, adding that they have two children — a 4-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son.

Court documents indicate Strouble asked Lambert to "hang out" on March 22, WFLD said, adding that Strouble told investigators she planned the get-together "with an intention" to harm Lambert.

Strouble picked up Lambert around 11 to 11:30 p.m., WFLD said, adding that prosecutors said she pulled over along Burnham Road in Sauk Village, Illinois. The location is about 20 minutes across the border from her Indiana home.

Strouble then told Lambert she had a surprise for him — a back massage, the station said, adding that the pair still had an occasional intimate relationship.

The Tribune, citing prosecutors, reported that the massage was with a massage gun.

Strouble asked Lambert to recline the seat, remove his shirt and hat, and lie on his abdomen, prosecutors said, according to WBBM-TV, adding that she straddled him and gave him a massage for 20 minutes.

During that time, Strouble allegedly retrieved a Glock handgun she hid under the passenger seat, WFLD said.

The Tribune, citing prosecutors, said Strouble aimed the gun at Lambert for what she estimated was several minutes before shooting him in the head.

Prosecutors said Strouble then lit a cigarette, WMAQ-TV reported.

Strouble said she wasn't left with much blood on her shirt after killing Lambert because "this was like a movie, and there wasn't much blood," prosecutors said, according to WBBM, which added that Strouble said her shirt was the "God Inspires" brand.

The Tribune, citing prosecutors, said Strouble soon drove back to the house in the 3400 block of East Norway Trail in unincorporated Crete where Lambert lived with his parents and tried to unlock the door. WFLD said she used Lambert's keys to attempt the unlocking; WBBM, citing prosecutors, said Strouble smoked another cigarette at the time.

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Pat Forde heard the noise and asked who was there. Strouble said it was she, and he asked her why she was there, to which she replied, "I don't know," prosecutors said. Pat Forde also asked Strouble if Lambert was with her, and she indicated that he was, prosecutors said.

Pat Forde opened the door, and Strouble told prosecutors at that point that she began shooting him right away — firing the gun from the front porch and continuing into the house, prosecutors said. Stacy Forde heard her husband scream and came downstairs, and Strouble shot her too, prosecutors said.

WFLD said Strouble shot Pat Forde 17 times in the chest and abdomen and Stacy Forde three times, also in the chest and abdomen.

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After the shootings, prosecutors said Strouble returned to her home in Indiana and called her sister to tell her what happened, WFLD said, adding that her sister then called police.

Deputies around 2 a.m. March 23 found the front door open at the Forde's home, WFLD said, adding that Patrick Forde was lying in the dining room area and Stacy Forde was on the stairs near the front door. WFLD said spent shell casings were scattered near both victims and the entryway.

Lambert was found in a 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium in a nearby cul-de-sac, still in the passenger seat, face down with the seat reclined, WFLD reported.

Prosecutors said when officers in St. John, Indiana, went to Strouble's home, she came out and handed them a bag with a loaded Glock 19 with a silencer, WBBM noted, adding that a vehicle registered to Lambert was found nearby, and Strouble's two children and her own parents were in the home with her.

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She later told investigators she bought the gun in December 2025 in Crown Point and purchased the suppressor online for about $589, according to prosecutors.

According to court documents, Strouble wrote a note the night before the killings asking others to care for her children. She provided three names. She also told her sister over the phone that she wanted her to look after the kids.

"[Strouble] didn't provide much of a motive for the killings other than not liking the way Jake speaks to the children or that she feels his parents are overbearing," court documents read, according to WMAQ. "She didn't like the fact that Jacob showered with a toddler, that people took naps with children, that Stacy was snarky, or that rules seemed to change in their home."

Prosecutors added that Strouble also told investigators she had considered killing her own parents, as she didn't feel her children were safe with them or Lambert, WFLD reported.

When asked if killing Lambert's parents was part of a plan because she didn't want them to have custody of the children, Strouble allegedly said, "That's some of the reasons," WFLD added.

Strouble also allegedly told investigators she didn't have a connection with her children and didn't spend time with them, even though she doesn't work and voluntarily turned them over to Lambert and his family, only recently getting them back, WFLD noted.

What's more, investigators learned of an incident in which Strouble reportedly took her father's rifle, which he later found under her bed, WFLD said, adding that she allegedly told her father she thought about killing Lambert but didn't have a plan.

Prosecutors also said Strouble admitted having past suicidal tendencies, and investigators learned about one prior incident in which she allegedly wanted to commit suicide by jumping out of a window with her children, WFLD said, adding that she also took medications for depression.

Strouble initially was expected to appear in the Will County Courthouse at 9 a.m. Tuesday, but her court date was pushed back, officials told WLS-TV Monday evening.

If convicted, Strouble faces natural life in prison, WFLD reported.

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Indiana University Launches Investigation Into Muslim Philanthropy Initiative That Gave Fundraising Advice to 'Sham Charity' Bankrolling Hamas

Indiana University has opened an investigation into a Muslim initiative housed within its School of Philanthropy following a Washington Free Beacon report on the initiative's ties to a "sham charity" that bankrolls Hamas.

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Ohio and Indiana have officially joined a growing number of states prohibiting the use of ranked-choice voting (RCV) in their elections. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation (SB 63) on Tuesday that prevents elections from being conducted with ranked-choice voting (or “instant runoff voting”). Should the secretary of state determine that an Ohio city or […]

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Notre Dame pro-abortion radical out as leader after students' and bishops' pressure campaign



The University of Notre Dame in Indiana announced last month that pro-abortion radical Susan Ostermann had been appointed to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.

The administrative elevation of an activist whose secular ministry is fundamentally at odds with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church and the school's corresponding pro-life position proved intolerable to Notre Dame's members and supporters — including the cleric invested with the power to prohibit the institution from identifying as Catholic.

'A win for consistency, clarity, and common sense.'

The sustained protest by scholars, supporters, alumni, and clergy — including 15 bishops and two archbishops — appears to have paid off.

Keough School of Global Affairs Dean Mary Gallagher, the administrator who reportedly first made the appointment, announced in a letter on Thursday to students and faculty that Ostermann "has decided not to move forward as director."

"I am grateful for her willingness to serve and for the thoughtfulness with which she approached this decision," wrote Gallagher.

Gallagher suggested further that the activist — who has dehumanized the unborn, downplayed the dangers of abortion, equated childbirth without the option of abortion as "violence," worked with an organization that seeks to enshrine pro-abortion policies around the world, and vilified the pro-life movement — is a "respected scholar" whose "research and teaching reflect the intellectual rigor and interdisciplinary excellence at the heart of both the Lieu Institute and the Keough School of Global Affairs."

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Ostermann said in a statement included in Gallagher's letter that "the focus on my appointment risks overshadowing the vital work the Institute performs, which it should be allowed to pursue without undue distraction," reported the Irish Rover.

She noted further that "it has become clear that there is work to do at Notre Dame to build a community where a variety of voices can flourish."

The announcement comes two weeks after Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend condemned Ostermann's appointment, underscored that her views and activism were disqualifying, and told the university to "rectify this situation."

Following the news that Ostermann had thrown in the towel, Bishop Rhoades expressed gratitude "to all the members of the Notre Dame community and beyond who, out of love for Notre Dame, expressed their opposition to the appointment."

'The Bishop did not urge us to sit silently and watch our Lady’s University fall before our eyes.'

"The reason I opposed the appointment is because the appointment of persons to leadership positions at a Catholic university is an act of institutional witness, a mission-governance issue," wrote Rhoades.

"Clearly Notre Dame is reaffirming its fidelity to a core truth of Catholic social teaching that is central to the Church’s commitment to integral human development."

Mary FioRito, senior fellow at the Catholic Association, said in a statement obtained by Blaze News, "Professor Susan Ostermann's decision not to accept the position of director at the University of Notre Dame’s Liu Center is a win for consistency, clarity, and common sense."

"As an explicitly Catholic university, Notre Dame owes its students and faculty 'truth in advertising,'" continued FioRito. "Ostermann’s public advocacy of legal abortion would have overshadowed the good work of the Liu Center and significantly hampered its ability to form students."

Catholic and conservative student groups — including Notre Dame Right to Life, Knights of Columbus Council 1477, and the Militia of Immaculata — were planning to hold a prayerful protest Friday evening where they would urge Rev. Robert Dowd, the president of the university, to rescind the appointment and "exercise his authority to enforce Notre Dame's Catholic mission."

Sophomore Luke Woodyard, co-organizer of the planned demonstration, stated, "The Bishop did not urge us to sit silently and watch our Lady’s University fall before our eyes; he gave us a clear call to action."

Notre Dame Right to Life President Anna Kelley told the Observer on Thursday that in light of Ostermann's decision, students will still assemble on Friday but for "a prayerful procession in gratitude of the recent decision" and in thanks "for the true Catholic identity of Notre Dame."

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School secretary caught by husband with student, faces child seduction charges for sex with second student: Police



A married employee of an Indiana high school was arrested after allegedly sexually abusing a student, according to police. Authorities were tipped off to the damning child sex crime accusations after her husband found his wife with a second student, police said.

The Union City Police Department — located in Western Ohio near the border of neighboring Indiana — announced in a statement the arrest of Alicia Hughes "following an investigation into allegations involving inappropriate conduct with a minor."

'It will be interesting to see the school’s policies, how this individual was screened and trained, and what "red flags" were overlooked or ignored.'

Hughes — a 31-year-old employee of the Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Indiana — was caught with a student by her husband on Feb. 14, police said.

"During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Hughes’ husband had discovered her with an 18-year-old student of Randolph Eastern School Corporation and confronted the individuals," police stated.

The press release revealed, "It is alleged that Hughes was battered during that altercation. The alleged battery is being investigated by the Randolph County Sheriff's Department."

Police did not reveal the husband's name.

Investigators said they "uncovered evidence that Alicia Hughes had also engaged in a sexual relationship with a separate high school student who was 17 years old at the time."

The Union City Police Department noted that Hughes and the student "engaged in sexual intercourse on at least five occasions."

Hughes was arrested and charged with five counts of child seduction related to the sexual relationship with the minor student, according to police.

Police said Hughes was being detained at the Randolph County Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond.

According to Indiana law, child seduction is when a "person used or exerted the person's professional relationship with the child to engage in sexual intercourse, other sexual conduct, or any fondling or touching with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the child or the person under this section."

Those in a position of power include employees of a school corporation.

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Cleveland.com reported that Randolph Eastern School Corporation Superintendent Neal Adams said that Hughes "has been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process." The outlet added that Hughes is a high school secretary.

The staff directory for the Union City Jr/Sr High School does not show the name of the suspect; however, an archived version of the school's website shows an attendance secretary named "Alicia Hughes."

Adams did not specify if Hughes had been terminated.

"We recognize that situations of this nature are deeply concerning for our families, staff, and the broader community,” Adams added. "Please know that we share those concerns and are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness, care, and urgency."

Tom Blessing, an attorney for survivors of sexual abuse, said of the accusations, "Usually, we see abuse claims involving teachers and coaches, but any school staff with access to children could use their position of authority and trust to take advantage of them: custodial and maintenance staff, counselors, office staff, even administrators."

Blessing continued, "It will be interesting to see the school’s policies, how this individual was screened and trained, and what ‘red flags’ were overlooked or ignored."

Blessing noted that many times "institutional failures enabled the abuse" in sexual misconduct cases by school employees.

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment. The Union City Police Department did not have any updates on the case.

Those with information about the case are urged to contact the Union City Police Department at 937-968-7744.

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Here’s Where You Can Report Illegal Alien Truck Drivers Before They Kill More Americans

Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., launched a tip line Tuesday to protect Americans from truckers who are illegal aliens, not authorized to drive a truck, or do not speak English proficiently enough to safely drive on U.S. roads. The tip line comes after numerous illegal aliens who received commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs) have killed or injured […]

‘Shady carriers hiring illegals’: Sen. Banks launches trucking tip line after 4 Amish men die in crash



Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) unveiled the TruckSafe Tipline on Tuesday, which allows those who work in the trucking industry to report carriers that may be breaking federal laws.

“If you’re a trucker or work in the industry and see something unsafe or know of shady carriers hiring illegals, I want to hear from you,” Banks wrote in a post on social media.

'The TruckSafe Tipline gives people on the ground a way to speak up when they see carriers cutting corners and putting lives at risk.'

The reporting system encourages truckers to submit a form if they believe a carrier has employed or contracted drivers who are illegally in the U.S., who are not authorized to drive, or who do not meet the English-language proficiency requirements.

Banks’ office will share the submitted tips with the Department of Transportation and its Office of Inspector General.

“Indiana is the Crossroads of America and Hoosiers are getting killed because drivers who shouldn’t be here in the first place are behind the wheel. If you’re driving a truck on our roads, you need to be legal, you need to be able to read traffic signs, and you need to follow the law. The TruckSafe Tipline gives people on the ground a way to speak up when they see carriers cutting corners and putting lives at risk,” Banks stated.

The tip line was launched following a semi-truck crash in Indiana last week that resulted in the deaths of four Amish men, including a father and two sons.

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Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The driver of the truck, Bekzhan Beishekeev, a 30-year-old Kyrgyzstani national who obtained his commercial driver’s license in Pennsylvania despite allegedly residing in the U.S. illegally, was accused of swerving into oncoming traffic and striking a 15-passenger van head-on.

Beishekeev is in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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Jim Banks. Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Banks’ office noted that the DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is investigating the carrier that employed Beishekeev as well as several other companies.

“These interconnected carriers have all the markings of FRAUD and are accused of being CHAMELEON CARRIERS. This is when companies swap names and DOT numbers to avoid enforcement,” DOT Secretary Sean Duffy stated. “The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is working AROUND THE CLOCK to hold anyone involved in this horrific crime accountable.”

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