In the early hours of March 19, 2025, the life of 31-year-old Breanna Howell was tragically cut short in Gary, Indiana. A Black/African American female, Howell was discovered outside the Willows Apartment Complex on Clark Road, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound. The Lake County Coroner's Office subsequently ruled her death a homicide.
The investigation into Howell's death quickly focused on her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend, Joequan D. Washington.
According to witness statements, the two had been in a prior relationship and were at a gathering together when the fatal shooting occurred. Witnesses reported seeing the couple arguing and fighting throughout the night. The altercation reportedly escalated inside an apartment, where Washington allegedly choked Howell before shooting her in the chest. After the shooting, Washington was reportedly heard saying, 'Why did you make me do that?'.
Following the incident, Washington and his brother, Christin Washington, were allegedly captured on surveillance footage dragging Howell's body out of the apartment building just before 2:00 a.m. and leaving her on the pavement. Joequan Washington then fled and remained at large for several weeks. During this time, Howell's family took on the role of advocates, pushing for justice and urging witnesses to come forward with any information.
On April 22, 2025, Joequan Washington was apprehended in the Indianapolis area. He has since been charged with murder and a felony firearm enhancement. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to 85 years in prison. Christin Washington has also been charged with assisting a criminal, a Level 5 felony. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, and the Lake County Coroner's Office.
