Valpo woman, 22, found dead in home

VALPARAISO | Foul play is suspected in the death of a 22-year-old woman who was found Tuesday morning in her home.

Shawnna Forgus was pronounced dead about 3:15 p.m., Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris said.

Shortly before 9:15 a.m., officers were called to a home in the 400 block of Courtney Street for a woman who wasn't breathing, Valparaiso police said.

Police and medics arrived and found Forgus dead in the house, just north of U.S. 30 off Axe Avenue, Valparaiso police Sgt. Mike Grennes said.

She suffered trauma to her head, Harris said. Police said foul play is suspected.

An autopsy is expected to be performed Wednesday in Indianapolis, Harris said.

Sean Forgus, Shawnna's brother, and a group of about 10 friends stood outside the home consoling each other and waiting for his sister's body to be taken from the home and placed in a coroner's van.

Anthony Davis said Shawnna Forgus had lived in the house for the past six years, with her parents, siblings and her two young children.

"She's like my little sister," Davis said. "She was outgoing, a friendly person."

Davis said Forgus was enrolled in a Merrillville college, studying to become a medical assistant and recently showed him her report card, full of A's and B's.

"She was proud of herself," he said. "She just started getting herself back on track."

Police were investigating the death late Tuesday and didn't comment further.