Crete Township, Ill. — A quiet street turned into a scene of devastation early Monday when deputies discovered three members of the same family dead inside their home. The shock came around 2 a.m. in the 3400 block of Norway Trail, where Will County sheriff’s deputies were carrying out a welfare check.
Inside the house, officers found 32‑year‑old Jacob Lambert, 54‑year‑old Stacy Forde, and 55‑year‑old Patrick Forde. The coroner later confirmed all three died from homicide. Stacy and Patrick were husband and wife. Jacob was Stacy’s son. The discovery left neighbors shaken and hearts heavy in this close‑knit community.
No one knew what exactly unfolded inside that night, but families nearby speak of laughter and barbecues, not violence. Deputies say they’re treating the case as domestic in nature, and that there’s no ongoing danger to the public. Still, the loss of three lives under one roof has left many in Crete Township struggling to find answers.
Soon after the grim discovery, law enforcement tracked down a person of interest — a 30‑year‑old woman from Indiana who had fled the scene. She’s now in custody while investigators work to sort out what happened. Charges are expected, though officials have not yet formally announced them.
Friends of the victims describe Jacob as a caring son and a good friend to many. Stacy and Patrick were known as warm, welcoming hosts at neighborhood gatherings. Their absence leaves not just an empty home, but a void in many hearts.
As investigators comb through evidence, the community has rallied around the surviving family and neighbors. Candlelight vigils and shared memories have become part of how residents are trying to heal.
In the coming days, officials say they’ll release more details about the case. For now, Crete Township remains stunned, mourning a family taken too soon.
