Homicide Task Force Secures Charges In Gary Case
On March 28, 2025, Detective Brian McCall with the Indiana State Police and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force secured murder charges against Joequan D. Washington, 24, of Gary for the March 19 homicide of Breanna Howell, 31.
Gary Police Officers were dispatched to 417 Clark Road at the Willows Apartment Complex in reference to a shot female being located there. The Lake County Coroner’s Office determined that the female was Breanna Howell and died via homicide from a gunshot wound.
A homicide investigation ensued, and numerous witness interviews revealed that Breanna Howell and Joequan Washington had been in a prior relationship, and indicated that Joequan Washington shot and killed Breanna Howell during a gathering.
Recovered video evidence and items from search warrant executions appeared to corroborate these interviews. Joequan Washington remained at large until his arrest in the Indianapolis area on April 22, 2025, where he is awaiting transportation to the Lake County Jail.
Washington is charged is charged with murder and a felony firearm enhancement. He faces up to 85 years in prison if convicted. Also charged in the matter with assisting a criminal as a Level 5 felony is Christin Washington.
Detective McCall was assisted by other members of the Homicide Task Force, including with the Indiana State Police, the Indiana State Excise Police, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, and the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
All defendants are presumed innocent while cases are pending.
Anyone with further information about Breanna Howell’s homicide is encouraged to contact Detective McCall of the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force at 219-755-3855.
