The devastating death of 26-year-old Breanna Howell has sent shockwaves through the Gary, Indiana community. On the morning of March 19, 2025, Howell’s family received the heartbreaking news that their loved one had been found shot to death in an apartment at the Willows Apartments on Clark Road. Howell’s tragic and untimely death has raised more questions than answers, and her family is demanding justice as they cope with the loss of a woman they describe as vibrant, caring, and full of life.

According to Howell’s sister, Myonnha Prince, the last time Breanna was seen alive was when their brother dropped her off at the apartment of a man named Jaequan Washington on the evening of March 18, 2025. What happened after that drop-off remains unclear, but the following morning, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Howell’s family received a devastating call informing them that she had been found dead. The family’s search for answers has intensified as they uncover alarming details and pieces of evidence that suggest Howell may have been a victim of abuse before her death.

Background: The Victim and Her Family

Breanna Howell was known to her family and friends as a vibrant, warm-hearted woman with a bright personality. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, she had always been a beacon of light in her community, involved in local events and activities, and maintaining a close-knit circle of friends and family who loved her dearly. Howell was particularly close to her siblings, especially her sister, Myonnha Prince.

Howell’s family described her as someone who was always eager to lend a helping hand to others, an individual who valued her relationships and would do anything for those she loved. Despite the challenges she faced in life, Howell had a positive outlook and tried to make the best of her circumstances. Her tragic death has left her family, including her mother and siblings, devastated, and they are now left to deal with the shock and grief of losing her under such violent and suspicious circumstances.

The Last Known Interaction: A Drop-off at Washington’s Apartment

The timeline of events leading to Howell’s death began on the evening of March 18, 2025, when her brother dropped her off at the apartment of Jaequan Washington, a man Howell was reportedly seeing at the time. The family had no reason to believe anything was amiss at that point, but the last known interaction between Howell and her family members would soon turn into the start of a nightmare.

According to Prince, after dropping Breanna off at Washington’s apartment, the family did not hear from her again that evening. This in itself was not unusual—sometimes Howell would spend time at Washington’s place, but her family had no reason to suspect anything dangerous was happening. It wasn’t until the morning of March 19, when they received a call from authorities, that the grim reality of the situation unfolded. Howell had been found dead in Washington’s apartment, and the circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious at best.

The Discovery of Howell’s Body

The details surrounding the discovery of Howell’s body remain vague, as police have not released a full account of what happened that night. However, it is known that Breanna was found inside Washington’s apartment, lying lifeless on the floor, with clear signs of physical trauma. Authorities arrived at the scene after being alerted to the incident, but it was already too late—Howell had succumbed to her injuries by the time they arrived.

What followed was a series of chilling revelations that raised more questions about the circumstances of Howell’s death. According to Myonnha Prince, after the discovery of Howell’s body, Jaequan Washington ceased all communication with the family. The family tried reaching out to Washington through calls and text messages, but he ignored them. More disturbingly, Washington allegedly deleted all photos and posts related to Howell from his social media accounts, a move that further fueled the family’s suspicions about his involvement in her death.

Injuries Suggesting Abuse Before the Fatal Shooting

What has shocked and saddened Howell’s family the most are the visible injuries she sustained before her death. Prince disclosed that the last photo taken of Howell showed clear signs of physical abuse. In the photo, Howell appeared to have a busted lip, significant swelling on her face, and what appeared to be a head injury. These injuries, according to Prince, suggest that Howell had been beaten before the fatal shooting.

Howell’s family is now grappling with the reality that their loved one may have suffered violence and abuse in the days leading up to her death. The emotional toll of knowing that Howell was likely in distress before her life was violently taken is unimaginable, and the family’s grief has been compounded by the ongoing mystery surrounding her death.

In addition to the visible injuries, the cause of death was revealed to be gunshot wounds. Howell was reportedly shot twice—once in the back and once in the chest. The gunshot wounds further point to the brutal nature of her death, and the family is left struggling to understand what could have led to such violence.

Investigation and Search for Answers

The Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) immediately launched an investigation into Howell’s death, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working tirelessly to uncover the details of what happened that night. Although authorities have not yet publicly named Washington as a suspect, the fact that he was the last person with Howell before her death and has since ceased all communication with the family has led to widespread speculation about his involvement.

Prince has made multiple appeals for Washington to turn himself in and for answers to be provided regarding her sister’s death. The family has expressed frustration with the lack of transparency from both Washington and law enforcement, but they are determined to seek justice for Breanna. The family’s calls for justice have been amplified by the community, with many local residents voicing their support and demanding accountability for Howell’s death.

The investigation is further complicated by the lack of direct evidence linking Washington to the murder, but police are reportedly combing through surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence in an effort to piece together the events leading up to Howell’s death. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of a history of abuse between Howell and Washington, although no prior incidents have been publicly confirmed.

Washington’s Background and Motive

At the heart of the investigation is the question of who Jaequan Washington is and what his relationship with Howell was like leading up to the fatal incident. Washington, whose background remains largely unreported, is said to have had a relationship with Howell, but details of their dynamic remain unclear. Some sources claim that Howell and Washington had been seeing each other casually, while others suggest that their relationship may have been more complicated, possibly involving past disputes or conflicts.

While investigators have yet to disclose a definitive motive for the shooting, many in the community speculate that the incident could have been the result of an argument that escalated into violence. Domestic violence is often a leading factor in homicides, and authorities are not ruling out the possibility that this was a domestic-related incident. Whether or not Washington and Howell had a violent relationship before the shooting is a critical piece of the puzzle that investigators are still trying to solve.

The Impact on the Community and Calls for Action

The tragic death of Breanna Howell has sent shockwaves through the Toledo community, and her family’s fight for justice has sparked widespread support. Community members have rallied behind Howell’s family, calling for justice and accountability. A local vigil was held in Howell’s honor, and her family has used social media platforms to raise awareness about the case and demand that the authorities bring those responsible to justice.

Howell’s death has also sparked conversations about domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for individuals at risk of abuse. Domestic violence is a pervasive issue, and cases like Howell’s highlight the need for greater intervention and support systems for those experiencing abuse. Advocates for victims of domestic violence are calling for more comprehensive resources and public awareness campaigns to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The Legal Process and the Road Ahead

As the investigation continues, the legal process will be crucial in bringing those responsible for Howell’s death to justice. Whether or not Washington will be charged in connection with Howell’s murder remains uncertain, but the evidence being gathered by law enforcement will be critical in determining his involvement. The family is hopeful that the legal system will work to ensure accountability and justice for Breanna.

If Washington is ultimately charged and convicted, he could face significant legal consequences. First-degree murder charges could result in a lengthy prison sentence, and the case could serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar abusive relationships.

Conclusion: A Life Cut Short and a Family’s Quest for Justice

The death of Breanna Howell has left a gaping hole in the hearts of her family and friends. Her untimely passing has highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for individuals at risk. As the investigation unfolds, Howell’s family continues to demand answers, hoping that justice will be served in her memory.

Breanna Howell’s tragic death is a somber reminder of the ongoing issue of domestic violence, and her family’s fight for justice reflects the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such violence in communities across the country. Howell’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and her family’s relentless pursuit of justice is a testament to their love for her and their commitment to ensuring that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss.