Jason Brummet was last seen March 28, 2021 about 3PM by his family at home in Lowell, Indiana. He was headed to see a friend and was expected back. He left with his vehicle (as shown below) by himself, with his wallet, cash, ID's credit cards and cell phone.
5/11/2021 The Lake County Indiana Sheriff's Office requested a well-being check to be done by the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office at the residence which Jason's phone records sent them to. There, Jason's body was found, covered by clothing. Jason had been deceased for some time.
A woman at that residence, Jessica Merillat has been charged for Concealment of a Death. She told officials that she had been doing drugs with Jason on and off for several days. She left with another man from that residence, leaving Jason there, and said that when they returned later, they found that Jason was not breathing. They covered his body and left again.
The first suspect charged and arrested for concealment of a death was Jason Edward Wolford. It was where Jason lived at the time where he had Jessica met with Jason Brummet at the residence. Wolford was already at the Shawnee Department of Corrections for Aggravated Sexual Assault with a Weapon, Felony Possession of a Firearm and Burglary. Additionally, Wolford is listed as a sex offender since he was 22 at the time of the sex offense to a 13 year old. IDOC has him listed as 3 years to life, full sentence to be determined on his prior charges.
COURT
Kankakee County, Illinois
Jessica Merillat, Arrested 5/27/2021
As of February 2022 Merillat was forwarded in to a drug program and the court continues waiting for status.
For Jason Brummet's death concealment, he was charged May 27, 2021. Wolford was then arrested September 9, plead guilty on November 4, 2021 and was sentenced with a plea deal November 24, 2021 to 18 months which he would serve 50% of that time, and given 199 days credit, then 12 months mandatory supervised release.
Wolford's projected parole date is 5/10/2023, though he is still facing 3 years to life for his total crimes.
Fly High Jason. Rest in Peace.