UPDATE: A trial has just begun for Dennis Jelks, a 60-year-old Merrillville man accused of murdering his estranged girlfriend, Angela Carrier, aged 37. The courtroom was filled with tension as opening statements unfolded today, highlighting the chilling details surrounding Carrier’s disappearance in January 2021.
The prosecution claims Jelks is responsible for Carrier’s death, which authorities believe occurred between January 26 and January 30, 2021. On the day of her disappearance, Carrier visited a Merrillville Menards with relatives to retrieve mail from Jelks after their breakup. However, she left with him around 1:30 PM and was never seen alive again.
Authorities report that Carrier’s body was discovered on January 30 near 30th Avenue and Jackson Street, shot twice in the back of the head. A firearms expert determined the casings matched a .38-caliber or .357-caliber weapon. Witnesses, including Carrier’s family, have alleged Jelks exhibited abusive behavior and had a firearm stored in his vehicle.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence indicating Jelks was the last person seen with Carrier. They highlighted inconsistencies in his statements, particularly regarding his whereabouts following their departure from Menards. Cell phone data revealed Jelks’ device pinged at Menards and later near the location where Carrier’s body was found, contradicting his account of events.
In a shocking twist, recorded phone calls played in court revealed Carrier’s stepfather, Shannon Smith, confronting Jelks shortly after her disappearance. Smith expressed his suspicions, saying, “Dude, you got something to do with it,” accentuating the family’s growing concern over Carrier’s sudden absence.
Defense attorney Michael Lambert argued there is no direct physical evidence linking Jelks to the murder. He criticized the prosecution for relying on circumstantial evidence and testimonies from Carrier’s relatives, asserting that Jelks’ DNA was not found at the crime scene.
The relationship between Jelks and Carrier was described by her family as “toxic.” Carrier’s son, Caleb, testified to their tumultuous past, mentioning how they were in the process of separating. This emotional testimony illuminates the personal stakes involved in the trial, as family members seek justice for their loved one.
As the trial continues, many are left wondering what the future holds for Jelks and the Carrier family. The prosecution maintains that they will prove Jelks’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while the defense insists they have crafted a narrative without sufficient evidence.
Witnesses and family members are expected to provide further testimony in the coming days, making this a trial to watch closely. The legal community and those following the case will be looking for developments as both sides present their arguments.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the trial unfolds.
