Hammond Home Invasion Leads To Felony Charges Against Two Women
Hammond — Court records show charges have been filed against Brooke Nicole McDowell, 21, and Destiny Bell, 37, in connection with a home invasion that occurred on October 3, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., in the 7500 block of White Oak Avenue in Hammond.
According to court documents, a resident reported that his teenage son came to the home with several people. While the son was inside gathering belongings, McDowell went to the rear patio door and began banging on the glass.
The unlocked door became slightly open from the knocking, and McDowell and others entered the home without permission. Once inside, the group allegedly held the male resident down on the ground. During the struggle, McDowell struck him with a wooden board, while a female occupant who attempted to intervene was struck in the face with a metal curtain rod.
Court documents state both occupants were held down and unable to call for help during the assault. Photos taken by Hammond Police showed lacerations to the male resident’s head and back, and redness and swelling to the female’s cheek and arm .
A short time later, a white 2014 Ford Escape matching the suspects’ description was located near the 7400 block of Montana Avenue in Hammond. McDowell, who matched the description of one of the suspects, was detained along with others. Bell arrived a short time later and was also detained.
Charges filed October 4, 2025:
Brooke Nicole McDowell:
• Criminal Confinement With Bodily Injury – F5
• Residential Entry – F6
• Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury – F6
• Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury – MA
Destiny Bell:
• Criminal Confinement With Bodily Injury – F5
• Residential Entry – F6
• Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury – F6
