The family of Nicole Mabon-Brewer, who was found shot dead in her Gary, Indiana, home, has accused her estranged husband, former city councilman Ron Brewer, of possibly playing a role in her death.
Ms Mabon-Brewer, 47, was discovered on 3 September 2025. Her death remains officially classified as undetermined and no criminal charges have been brought.
Her daughter, Kayla Green, and father, George Mabon, said she had repeatedly warned them that Brewer had threatened to kill her and make the death appear to be suicide.
“My mom came to them and said that Ron said he would kill her, cover up and make it seem like she did herself and he would get away with it because of his connections,” Ms Green told FOX Chicago. “She later confirmed it with me.”
Mr Mabon said his daughter had given him a similar warning, telling him: “If anything happens to me, Ron did it.”
Investigation into Nicole Mabon-Brewer’s death
The family said the couple had been together for more than 20 years but that their relationship had deteriorated. They said Ms Mabon-Brewer had been planning to leave the marriage in the weeks before her death.
Ms Green also described Brewer as having a temper and said she had witnessed his behaviour since childhood. The family has urged investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting more closely.
Brewer, who previously served as president of the Gary City Council, lost his seat in May and is now seeking appointment to fill a vacant council position.
The Gary Police Department said officers were called to a home in the 2300 block of 20th Place on 3 September and found Ms Mabon-Brewer dead. At the request of Lake County prosecutor Bernard Carter, Indiana State Police took over the investigation to promote transparency, impartiality and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Indiana State Police have since completed their investigation and submitted it to a special prosecutor, who is reviewing the findings.
The family has questioned whether Brewer’s alleged links to the Gary Police Department influenced the handling of the case. They said they did not feel comfortable raising their concerns with local officers.
Brewer has not responded to repeated requests for comment, while the Gary Police Department and City Council also did not respond to questions about the case.
Brewer previously faced criminal allegations in 2019 after police accused him of kidnapping, confining and intimidating a 14-year-old boy whom he believed was involved in stealing his vehicle. He pleaded not guilty, and the charges were later dropped after he completed a six-month diversion programme.
Ms Mabon-Brewer’s family is appealing for anyone with information about her death to contact investigators.
