The Lake County Coroner’s Office officially ruled a Lake County Councilman’s wife’s cause of death as “undetermined” on Tuesday.
Nicole Mabon-Brewer, 47, of Gary was found dead Sept. 3. Gary Police Department officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of 20th Place shortly before 11:25 a.m.
“This case is still open and awaiting further results through lead investigation unit of the Indiana State Police,” Lake County Coroner David Pastrick said in a release. “There is not sufficient evidence or justification as to whether the death was an accident, suicide, or homicide at this time.”
Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield, an agency spokesman, did not immediately return a request for comment on the investigation’s status.
Mabon-Brewer’s husband, Lake County Councilman Ron Brewer declined comment by phone.
“It’s just been a really stressful time for myself and my family,” he said, adding her death was a very “sad situation.”
An autopsy performed Sept. 4 determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound, according to a Lake County Coroner’s Office release.
Lake County Prosecutor Bernie Carter asked for the appointment of a special prosecutor in September.
At the request of the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Police “has assumed full responsibility for leading the inquiry,” according to a release issued shortly after her death.
“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 had filed for divorce in August, according to county court records.
Post-Tribune staff writer Alex Kukulka contributed.
