Nicholas T. Kowalski, a 29-year-old man from Park Forest, Illinois, was reported missing on September 29, 2021, after his family lost contact. A Park Forest Police investigation that began October 2, 2021, traced leads to Northwest Indiana and to Gary, Indiana. On October 3, 2021, Kowalski’s body was found buried in a shallow grave in the backyard of a Gary residence, wrapped in a tarp and concealed under a small table. An autopsy later determined he had been shot in the head and torso.

The Lake County Metro Homicide Task Force took over the inquiry. Authorities charged 33-year-old Robert R. Simms III of Gary in connection with Kowalski’s killing, and court papers allege the motive was robbery. Simms is also tied in reports to other violent crimes and an alleged multi-state robbery pattern.

If anyone knew Nicholas, saw him in late September 2021, or has information about his movements in Gary or Northwest Indiana, please come forward.