URGENT UPDATE: The trial for Dennis Jelks, 60, has just opened, as he faces charges of murdering his estranged girlfriend, Angela Carrier, 37, in Merrillville. This shocking case dates back to January 2021 when Carrier was reported missing after a meeting with Jelks, raising alarm bells for her family.
On January 26, 2021, Carrier went to Menards with her family to retrieve belongings from Jelks following their breakup. According to court documents, Jelks persuaded Carrier to leave the store with him around 1:30 PM, and she was never seen alive again. Tragically, her body was discovered on January 30, shot twice in the back of the head, near 30th Avenue and Jackson Street.
Authorities report that Jelks’ account of events is inconsistent and unsupported by evidence. He claimed they went to buy marijuana from an individual named “Tone,” but Detective Nick Wardrip has dismissed his story, noting it contradicts key evidence. Cell phone records indicate Jelks’ device pinged at Menards and then near the location where Carrier’s body was later found.
Prosecutors Infinity Westberg and Chris Bruno argue that Jelks had a violent history with Carrier, who struggled with drugs. They contend he was the last person seen with her, asserting that he “repeatedly lied” to investigators. In a recorded phone call played in court, Carrier’s stepfather, Shannon Smith, confronted Jelks, stating, “Dude, you got something to do with it.”
The defense, led by attorney Michael Lambert, counters that there is no direct or physical evidence linking Jelks to Carrier’s death. He argues the prosecution’s case relies heavily on testimony from Carrier’s family and circumstantial evidence, undermining its credibility.
As the trial unfolds, emotional testimonies from Carrier’s family members reveal the toxic nature of her relationship with Jelks. Her son, Caleb Carrier, described the relationship as “toxic,” highlighting the family’s concerns as they had to intervene to ensure her safety during her turbulent relationship with Jelks.
The courtroom was filled with tension as details of the couple’s tumultuous past were revealed. Carrier’s daughter stated that Jelks had previously threatened her mother, saying, “If I can’t have her, nobody can.” This chilling remark adds to the growing narrative of Jelks as a potential threat in the eyes of Carrier’s loved ones.
As the trial progresses, all eyes remain on the courtroom, where critical evidence and emotional testimonies will shape the future for Jelks and the family mourning the loss of Angela Carrier. Stay tuned for live updates as this case continues to unravel.
