Cedar Lake Police Charge Woman After Shooting Husband Earlier This Month
On July 10th, 2025, at approximately 8:11 PM, Cedar Lake Officers were dispatched to the 8500 block of W. 141st Ave regarding a shooting.
Upon arrival, Officers found Joshua Rosario, age 34, in the lower-level kitchen area with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Officer Alexis Dills provided immediate medical assistance to stop the bleeding. Sgt. Eric Godoy and Cpl. Allen Sulski took control of the scene and made sure three of their children were safe, including contacting grandparents who came to care for the children.
It was determined by the 911 call and self-admission that Joshua’s wife, Michelle Finstrom, had allegedly shot Joshua with a 9mm handgun belonging to her. Michelle Finstrom, at the time, was claiming self-defense, and later she was transported to the hospital. Joshua Rosario was transported to the hospital and later flown to a Chicago hospital, where he was last in stable condition.
During the shooting, Joshua and Michelle’s three juvenile children were also home and inside the house near where the shooting took place.
Detective Marcus McDowell began an investigation, assisted by members of the Cedar Lake Police Department, who also processed the scene after obtaining a search warrant. Michelle Finstrom was ultimately taken into custody and lodged in the Lake County Jail after being released from the hospital.
Detective McDowell conducted interviews and a thorough investigation while working with the Lake County Prosecutor.
After a short recovery, Detective McDowell was also able to get a statement from Joshua Rosario. The investigation revealed a history of domestic violence between both Joshua Rosario and Michelle Finstrom, including one the evening before the. shooting. Joshua Rosario and Michelle Finstrom had only been residing in Cedar Lake for a few weeks before this incident.
The investigation, along with statements from the children and the totality of the evidence, led to charges being filed against Michelle Finstrom on July 25th, 2025. Those charges are Aggravated Battery, a level 3 Felony, Domestic Battery, a level 6 Felony, Domestic Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a level 5 Felony, Domestic Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon, a level 5 Felony, and Pointing a Firearm, a level 6 Felony.
Michell Finstrom currently has a warrant for her arrest. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
