Trial Begins for Merrillville Man Accused of Murdering Girlfriend

UPDATE: A trial has just opened for Dennis Jelks, a 60-year-old man from Merrillville, Indiana, accused of the shocking murder of his estranged girlfriend, Angela Carrier, aged 37. The trial began Monday, drawing attention to the harrowing details surrounding Carrier’s death in January 2021.

The case centers around a fateful meeting on January 26, 2021, when Carrier, accompanied by family members, went to a Menards store in Merrillville to retrieve her mail from Jelks after their breakup. Just after 1:30 p.m., Jelks allegedly convinced Carrier to leave with him, and she was never seen alive again. Her body was discovered on January 30, 2021, shot twice in the back of the head near 30th Avenue and Jackson Street.

Prosecutors argue that Jelks had a long history of abusive behavior and was the last person seen with Carrier. Cell phone data places Jelks at the Menards location before pinging near the site where Carrier’s body was ultimately found. Investigators have cited that he “repeatedly lied” about his whereabouts, raising significant concerns over his credibility.

In court, Deputy Prosecutors Infinity Westberg and Chris Bruno detailed the tumultuous relationship between Jelks and Carrier, emphasizing his lack of cooperation with law enforcement. They noted that the couple struggled with issues of drug use and domestic violence, claiming Jelks kept a firearm in his vehicle which matched the caliber used in the murder.

Defense attorney Michael Lambert countered, stating that prosecutors lacked direct physical evidence linking Jelks to the crime. He argued that their case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence and testimony from Carrier’s relatives, asserting that Jelks’ DNA was not found at the crime scene. Lambert painted a picture of Carrier as someone who would disappear for extended periods, expressing doubts about the prosecution’s timeline of events.

The emotional weight of the case was palpable during the trial. A recorded phone call between Carrier’s stepfather, Shannon Smith, and Jelks was played in court, wherein Smith confronted Jelks about Carrier’s disappearance, stating, “Dude, you got something to do with it.” The call highlighted the family’s growing concern for Carrier, who left her pets unattended during her last encounter with Jelks.

Carrier’s son, Caleb, described the couple’s relationship as “toxic,” illustrating the volatile dynamics leading up to her tragic disappearance. He and Carrier’s family had gone to the store to retrieve important documents, revealing the desperation behind their final meeting.

Witness testimonies during the trial suggest Jelks’ account of events is riddled with inconsistencies, particularly regarding the vehicle Carrier entered after leaving the Menards. Family members expressed their suspicions, recalling Jelks’ ominous statement, “If I can’t have her, nobody can,” which further fueled concerns over his involvement.

As the trial progresses, the stakes remain high, with the potential for a severe penalty if Jelks is found guilty. The courtroom is expected to hear more evidence in the coming days, as both sides prepare to present their cases in this deeply troubling incident.

Next Steps: The trial will continue to unfold, and updates will emerge as key testimonies are presented. The community watches closely, hoping for justice for Angela Carrier and her grieving family.

Stay tuned for the latest developments in this urgent case as the trial progresses.