On November 4, 2022, Hobart Police responded to 418 Ruta Drive in Hobart in reference to a welfare check on the residents, Destiny Jackson, 20 years of age and Nazirah Muhammad, 19 years of age, according to Hobart Police Captain James Gonzales. The caller was Destiny’s sister, who told the responding officer that she had attempted to contact Destiny for two days through telephone, Facetime and Facebook Messenger, but no one answered, she further stated it was out of the ordinary, because she would speak to Destiny almost daily.
Hobart Officers responded to the address on Ruta and were able to make entry to the apartment, the officers made the grisly discovery of the slain bodies of Destiny and Nazirah. The Officers secured the apartment and Hobart Detectives, Lake County Crime Lab and the Lake County Coroner’s Office were notified.
The apartment and the surrounding areas of the apartment were searched and canvassed, which potential evidence was recovered and processed for further lab testing.
Hobart Detectives spoke to the families of Destiny and Nazirah and they described their loved ones with the following statements.
Destiny was described as being from a large family and she was the youngest of 8 brothers and sisters. In May, 2022, she was reunited with her oldest Niece and Nephew and prior to her death, she had developed a real friendship with them. Destiny was described as having an “amazing heart” and “she forgave so easily and she loved so easily”. Destiny would make herself available if you were in need of help without any questions asked. Destiny’s sister stated “although she was taken from us so early, Destiny had already left a huge impact on our family”.
Nazirah’s family described her as being blessed with the ability of performing arts and at the age of 6, she was featured in a St. Louis Post dispatch, which was a local newspaper for a modeling picture. In addition to her natural beauty, she was involved in hair show modeling, and her face had been featured in local art show galleries. Nazirah was a talented dancer, who traveled to different states to compete in dance shows and performances. Her family characterized Nazirah as having an infectious smile, being fun loving and overall a happy person, who would make everyone laugh. Nazirah would often refer to herself as “mommy’s daughter”.
“Destiny and Nazirah’s lives were brutally and selfishly taken by individual(s) who lack respect for humanity and should be held accountable for their actions,” Captain Gonzales said. “Destiny and Nazirah’s lives were prematurely taken from their families and friends, who can no longer enjoy their physical presence, but they will forever have their spiritual presence. Destiny and Nazirah will forever live in their families’ hearts and they will always feel the loss of Destiny and Nazirah.”
The Hobart Police Department is asking for assistance from the Northwest Indiana Community with identifying the suspect(s) involved with committing this heinous and cowardly act against Destiny and Nazirah.
Anyone with information can contact FBI GRIT Agent Lieutenant Nicholas Wardrip at 219‐942‐4485 or by e‐mail at nwardrip@cityofhobart.org or Detective Corporal Michael Gallagher at 219‐942‐4991 or e‐mail at mgallagher@cityofhobart.org
All tips and information will remain anonymous.
