Dad Comes Home To Fiery Horror

"STREATOR, IL — Investigators believe that arson, homicide and suicide explain the deaths of two boys and their mother inside a home destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon northeast of Streator.

"Jennifer L. Shepard, 36, is believed to have taken her own life and killed her sons, Jordan, 11, and Jake, 12, and the house was set on fire intentionally, according to La Salle County sheriff’s and coroner’s offices.

"Autopsies Friday showed stab and/or cutting wounds to the mother and the boys, and a weapon was recovered. Firefighters found the three in a second-floor bedroom at 2136 N. 18th Road, about four miles northeast of Streator.

"Authorities are awaiting the final autopsy and toxicology reports and an arson report.

"The homeowner, Gary Shepard, was on his way home from work Thursday when he spotted his house on fire from a mile away and called 911 at about 3:15 p.m. Firefighters and deputies responded to the fire. Flames drove back attempts by Gary Shepard and a deputy to enter the home, according to the sheriff’s office.

"The fire and fatalities remain under investigation by the La Salle County agencies and Office of the State Fire Marshal."

From the News Tribune...