Missing Merrillville mom found dead in Gary after baby found safe

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) -- A woman found dead in a Gary basement has been identified as a mother who, along with her baby, went missing earlier this week.

Police in northwest Indiana say they found the missing 2-month-old girl Tuesday.

Diamond Lewis and her daughter Morgan were last seen Saturday in Merrillville.

The baby is healthy and now in protective custody.

Lewis, 22, was found dead Thursday night in the basement of an abandoned Gary home in 1400-block of West 18th Avenue. Police say she had been strangled.

Lewis' death is being investigated as a homicide. The Merrillville Police Department said two people are in custody and charges are pending. Police say Lewis' murder appears to be a case of domestic violence.