Lake County officials announced Wednesday that the Indiana State Police will lead the investigation into the death of Nicole Mabon-Brewer.
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Gary Police Department officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of 20th Place shortly before 11:25 a.m. on Sept. 3 and found a deceased woman identified as Mabon-Brewer, 47, according to a Gary Police Department news release.
An autopsy performed the following day determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound, according to a Lake County Coroner’s Office release. The manner of death and toxicology report are pending, according to the coroner.
At the request of the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Police “has assumed full responsibility for leading the inquiry,” according to the release, and it remains an active investigation.
“This step reflects a shared commitment by both the Gary Police Department and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure transparency, impartiality and the avoidance of any potential conflicts of interest in handling this sensitive matter,” according to the release.
Mabon-Brewer was married to Lake County Councilman Ron Brewer, who was absent from the council’s September study session and budget workshop — both held Sept. 4 — as well as the council’s regular meeting, held Tuesday, in the wake of her death.
When contacted by phone on Wednesday, Brewer said he couldn’t comment as he was at a funeral home making arrangements.
The Lake County Council issued a statement Friday expressing condolences to Brewer and his family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the councilman and all who loved her as they navigate this difficult time. We cannot imagine the pain of this unexpected loss,” according to the statement.
Council spokeswoman Carrie Napoleon said Wednesday that the council does not comment on active investigations.