Grand Ridge Fire Now Murder-Suicide

The fire that killed a mother and her two sons is part of a murder-suicide.

La Salle County Coroner Jodi Bernard came to that conclusion after conducting autopsies Friday on the 36 year old mother Jennifer Shepard and her two sons, 12 year old Jake and and 11 year old Jordan. Their bodies were found by firefighters in an upstairs bedroom at their home on North 18th Road. They apparently suffered from stab and or cutting wounds.

Sheriff Tom Templeton says the father, Gary Shepard called 911 on his way home from work saying his home was on fire and that his wife and their two sons were trapped inside.  He tried getting inside but was turned away by the flames.  Deputies also were unable to get inside the home.

Investigators say a weapon was found inside the home.

Questions Arise About Child’s Death

An autopsy is scheduled today for a young La Salle County boy whose death seems suspicious.

Five-year old Paul Miller of Ophir Township near Triumph was died Thursday night at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  He was flown there after being found unresponsive Thursday morning at a home in Ottawa.

According to Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll, Miller had injuries when he died.  The circumstances of those injuries remain under investigation.

La Salle County 4-H Fair Winding Down

Grandstand entertainment wraps up tonight at this year’s La Salle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair.

Cars will be crashing into each other at the south Ottawa fairgrounds with a demolition derby starting at 7.  Before the derby, there’s rabbit and market beef judging along with a beef showmanship contest and federation auction.

The fair ends Sunday with a horse and goat show and a “Parade of Excellence”.