Hammond Man Found Guilty in Violent 2021 Home Invasion and Sexual Assault Case
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office announced today that Garrett Whittenburg has been found guilty for his role in a brutal home invasion and series of sexual assaults that occurred on November 13, 2021, at a residence on Magoun Avenue in Hammond.
The conviction follows a detailed investigation by the Hammond Police Department and a bench trial before Judge Salvador Vasquez, who found Whittenburg guilty of the following charges:
- Rape – Level 1 Felony
- Criminal Confinement – Level 3 Felony
- Armed Robbery – Level 3 Felony
- Burglary – Level 4 Felony
- Sexual Battery – Level 4 Felony
According to court documents and testimony, Whittenburg—identified by a long-time acquaintance—entered the home wearing a mask and armed with a handgun. During the attack, the adult victim and her 12-year-old daughter were blindfolded, restrained, and sexually assaulted. The assailants stole the victim’s phone, debit card, and identification before fleeing. Evidence and witness statements ultimately linked Whittenburg to the crime.
“These convictions reflect the strength of the evidence, the bravery of the victims, and the dedication of law enforcement and prosecution teams who worked tirelessly to bring justice in this case,” said Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter.
Prosecutor Carter credited Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Arturo Balcazar and Lindsey Lanham, along with Officer Christopher Matonovich and the Hammond Police Department, for their work on the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2025.
