Gary family demands answers as former councilman seeks council seat

The family of a Gary woman found dead in her home last year is asking for a second look at her death. They say her husband, a former city official, had a motive and the means to cover it up. The family makes these claims while her husband runs for a return to public office.

Nicole Mabon-Brewer, 47, died on Sept. 3, 2025. Police found her in her home with a gunshot wound. The case is currently classified as undetermined. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the death. Her daughter, Kayla Green, and her father, George Mabon, say they were warned about the danger long before she died.

Green said her mother told several people that Ron Brewer threatened to kill her. Brewer is a former Gary City Councilman and former council president. Green recalled her mother saying Brewer would make the death look like a suicide. She said Brewer would use his connections to avoid scrutiny. Green added that her mother confirmed these fears with her personally.

Mabon said his daughter gave him similar instructions. She told him to look to Brewer if anything happened to her. Mabon recalled her saying he kept making accusations that he could kill her and get away with it. The family said Nicole and Brewer were together for more than 20 years. They said the marriage had deteriorated in the final weeks of her life. Nicole was planning to leave the marriage just before she died.

Green suggested that tensions rose after Nicole learned about Brewer’s private life. She also described Brewer as having a temper. Green said she witnessed his anger while growing up as a toddler. The family questioned whether Brewer’s connections to the Gary Police Department affected how the death was handled. They said they did not feel comfortable bringing their concerns directly to that department.

Brewer has faced criminal allegations in the past. In 2019, he pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, confining, and intimidating a 14-year-old boy. Police alleged Brewer tracked a stolen vehicle to East Chicago. They said he fired a gun at teenagers inside the car. He then took the boy to Gary against his will. Court records show the charges were dropped after he completed a six-month diversion program.

Brewer lost his council seat in May 2026. He is now seeking an appointment to fill a vacant position on the City Council. Indiana State Police told FOX Chicago that their investigation into Nicole’s death is complete. They submitted the findings to the special prosecutor assigned to the case. The prosecutor is currently reviewing the investigation.

FOX Chicago contacted the Gary Police Department by phone and email. The department did not respond. The outlet also contacted Brewer and the City Council repeatedly. Neither provided a comment. Nicole’s family is urging anyone with information about her death to come forward.