UPDATE: A trial has just begun for Dennis Jelks, a 60-year-old man from Merrillville, charged with the murder of his estranged girlfriend, Angela Carrier, 37, whose death in January 2021 shocked the community. The proceedings opened on Monday, revealing chilling details about the couple’s tumultuous relationship and the events leading up to Carrier’s disappearance.
The prosecution alleges that on January 26, 2021, Carrier visited a Menards in Merrillville with family to retrieve her mail from Jelks. After a brief encounter, Carrier was last seen alive around 1:30 p.m. with Jelks, who is accused of convincing her to leave with him. Tragically, her body was later discovered on January 30, shot twice in the back of the head near 30th Avenue and Jackson Street.
In court, Deputy Prosecutors Infinity Westberg and Chris Bruno presented evidence indicating a “long and tumultuous” relationship, highlighting that Jelks was the last person seen with Carrier. Cell phone data revealed Jelks’ device pinged at Menards before connecting near the location of Carrier’s body. Authorities noted that Jelks’ story about buying marijuana from a dealer named “Tone” near 42nd Avenue lacked corroborating evidence, and Detective Nick Wardrip dismissed it as unreliable.
Carrier’s family has described Jelks as abusive, noting that he possessed a gun, which he allegedly stored in his trunk. The firearms expert testified that the bullet casings found at the crime scene matched either a .38-caliber or a .357-caliber firearm. In a shocking twist, Jelks denied any involvement in Carrier’s death, claiming he lost track of her after they parted ways.
The emotional weight of the trial was palpable as Carrier’s family members, including her son Caleb and stepfather Shannon Smith, testified against Jelks. Smith recorded a phone call with Jelks shortly after Carrier’s disappearance, in which he expressed his suspicions, stating, “Dude, you got something to do with it.” Carrier’s son described their relationship as “toxic,” stressing the urgency of their breakup.
Defense attorney Michael Lambert argued that prosecutors lack direct evidence tying Jelks to the murder. He claimed the case relies heavily on witness testimonies and fragmented cell phone data, asserting that Jelks’ DNA was not found at the crime scene. Lambert highlighted Carrier’s struggles with drug use and her tendency to go missing for extended periods, casting doubt on the timeline of her death.
As the trial unfolds, the courtroom is filled with tension and emotion. Family members are grappling with the loss of Carrier while seeking justice. The case raises serious questions about domestic violence and the complexities of relationships marked by conflict.
The trial is expected to continue, with further testimonies and evidence presentation. As this story develops, it remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence and the urgent need for awareness surrounding domestic issues.
Stay tuned for updates as the trial progresses.
