Three deaths in Grand Ridge house fire apparent murder-suicide

The deaths of a mother and her two young sons in a rural La Salle County house fire is now being called a murder-suicide.  36-year old Jennifer Shepard is believed to have taken her own life and killed her sons, 11-year old Jordan and 7-year old Jake.  Sheriff Tom Templeton says Thursday afternoon, his office received a call from Gary Shepard, saying his rural Grand Ridge home was on fire.  Shepard told deputies he was arriving home from work and believed his wife and two kids were still in the house.  He said he tried to enter the house but was driven back by the flames.  A deputy arrived and also tried to enter but was forced back by the blaze.  Firefighters entered the house and discovered the bodies in an upstairs bedroom.  An investigation continues by the Sheriff’s office, Coroner’s office and State Fire Marshal’s office.