Crete residents are reeling after a party shooting, a house fire, and a triple homicide took the lives of eight people in the past week in the normally quiet suburb.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office said that 9-1-1 calls were received around 1 a.m. March 29 reporting a “large fight and possible shooting near 27000 S. State Line Road in Crete.”
When deputies arrived, they found a significant crowd and shooting victims. Deputies began life-saving measures, and three shooting victims were transported to area hospitals.
One victim, unidentified at press time, later died at the hospital in Olympia Fields.
The sheriff’s office said in a news release that preliminary investigation shows the incident appears to be isolated and domestic-related as it occurred during a family party.
There is no threat to the public, the release said.
“The Will County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the St. John, Indiana Police department, the Crete Police Department, the Crete Township Fire department, and the Crete Fire department for their assistance in this overnight shooting,” the release concluded.
Sunday’s shooting follows a tragic house fire and a multiple homicide that occurred just a week before.
Crete fire, police and school officials confirmed that three girls, one in high school and two in Monee Elementary, died in the fire at their Chalet Court home on March 25 with their grandfather, Walter Palmer, 71.
The identities of the girls, all minors, were not made public.
Officials said they lived with their grandfather, who had been caring for them since the death of their mother.
In a news release from the village, Crete Police Chief Scott Pieritz said firefighters were called to the house at 12:58 a.m. on March 25.
“The first arriving suppression units were on scene within nine minutes of dispatch and encountered a one-story residential structure heavily involved in fire. Due to the extent of the fire, a Full Still Alarm was requested to ensure adequate personnel and resources,” he said in the release.
“Fire crews initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while simultaneously attempting to conduct a primary search of the residence. However, rapidly deteriorating conditions, including heavy fire involvement and a partial roof collapse, necessitated the withdrawal of personnel and a transition to a defensive strategy. The fire was brought under control within approximately 40 minutes.
“Once conditions allowed, crews re-entered the structure to conduct a search. During that search, four occupants were located inside the residence and were pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, the MABAS Division 27/24 Fire Investigation Team, the Crete Police Department, and the Will County Coroner’s Office.
In a statement to Crete-Monee parents, School Superintendent Kara Coglianese said, “I am writing with heartbreaking news. Last night, a house fire took the lives of three of our students, including two elementary students at Monee Elementary and one high school student at Crete-Monee High School.
“This is a devastating time for our school community. Out of respect for the family’s privacy and because circumstances are still being confirmed, we cannot share additional details at this time. We are all grieving together, and we will do everything we can to support our students, staff, and families in the days ahead.
“Beginning today, we are increasing support at all of our schools. Counselors, social workers, and other support staff will be available for students who need to talk, take a break, or receive additional help.
“If your child or someone in your home is in immediate distress or needs urgent help,” she continued, “please call or text 988 (Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
“We will continue to communicate as we are able to do so, including sharing information about available support and opportunities for our community to come together to care for one another. In the meantime, please join us in keeping the victims and their loved ones in our thoughts.”
Chief Pieritz noted that “numerous agencies provided assistance/mutual aid and station coverage to ensure continued emergency response capabilities within the community during the incident.”
“Assisting agencies included Crete Township Fire Protection District, Steger Fire Department, South Chicago Heights Fire Department, University Park Fire Department, Beecher Fire Protection District, Monee Fire Protection District, Steger Estates Fire Protection District, Sauk Village Fire Department, Matteson Fire Department, Richton Park Fire Department, Frankfort Fire Protection District, the Flossmoor Fire Department, Crete Police Department, Crete Emergency Management Agency (EMA), and Laraway Communication Center (LCC).
No other information is available at this time, pending the investigation.
Meanwhile, an Indiana woman is in Will County Sheriff’s Police custody, charged with the fatal shootings of her one-time boyfriend and his parents on March 23.
Jenna Strouble, 30, of St. John, Indiana, has been charged with 9 counts of first-degree murder in connection with the shootings that occurred in the 3400 block of East Norway Trail in Crete Township.
The victims were identified as 32-year-old Jacob Lambert, and his parents, 54-year-old Stacy Forde, and 55-year-old Patrick Forde.
Strouble reportedly had an on-again, off-again relationship with Lambert, and they had children together.
A news release from the sheriff’s office said the bodies were discovered during a welfare check at the home around 2 a.m. on March 23.
The release noted that the “preliminary investigation shows this was a targeted incident and during the detectives’ interviews Strouble gave incriminating statements, following the homicides. Investigators recovered a firearm and were able to determine it did match the one used in the homicides.”
Kelly’s office noted that “as always, charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
The press release added, “Tragic events like this can be avoided for those wishing to seek help and assistance regarding domestic violence. If you, or someone you know is facing a domestic violence situation, please call the Groundworks Domestic Violence Hotline at 815-729-1228, the Illinois Domestic Violence Helpline at 877-863-6338, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-787-SAFE (7233) or online at www.thehotline.org.”
Strouble was due in court in Will County on Monday.