Trial Begins for Merrillville Man Accused of Murdering Ex-Girlfriend

UPDATE: A trial has just opened for Dennis Jelks, a 60-year-old Merrillville man accused of murdering his estranged girlfriend, Angela Carrier, 37, from Crown Point. This shocking case centers on Carrier’s disappearance and subsequent death in January 2021, with significant implications for justice and community safety.

The courtroom was tense as proceedings began this morning, following Carrier’s tragic demise between January 26 and January 30, 2021. Prosecutors allege that Jelks was the last person seen with Carrier, who vanished after visiting a Merrillville Menards with family to retrieve her mail. The couple had a tumultuous history, and Jelks has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges.

According to court documents, on that fateful day, Carrier met with Jelks around 1:30 p.m. to discuss their breakup. Witnesses reported Jelks claimed he did not have her mail, persuading her to leave with him. Tragically, she was never seen alive again. Her body was discovered on January 30 near 30th Avenue and Jackson Street, shot twice in the back of the head.

Authorities reveal that a firearms expert has linked the bullet casings found at the crime scene to a .38-caliber or .357-caliber weapon, raising alarms about Jelks, who had a history of abusive behavior. Family members had previously informed police that he kept a gun in his trunk, adding to the mounting evidence against him.

In a critical twist, Jelks’ alibi fell apart under scrutiny. He claimed he and Carrier left the Menards to buy marijuana, but cell phone records indicated his device pinged near the location where Carrier’s body was later found—just after 2 p.m.—before moving to his brother’s house. Detective Nick Wardrip has publicly discounted Jelks’ version of events, asserting it lacks supporting evidence.

The courtroom drama intensified as prosecutors, including Deputy Prosecutors Infinity Westberg and Chris Bruno, painted a picture of Jelks as the primary suspect due to his inconsistent stories and the lack of verifiable witnesses. They highlighted the long, turbulent relationship between Jelks and Carrier, arguing he “repeatedly lied” about his whereabouts and actions following her disappearance.

Defense attorney Michael Lambert countered, claiming there is no direct physical evidence tying Jelks to the crime. He insists that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on “tidbits” of cell phone data and testimony from Carrier’s relatives, suggesting that they have fabricated a narrative to fit their theory.

The emotional toll on Carrier’s family was palpable as they recounted their experiences in court. Her son, Caleb Carrier, described their relationship as “toxic,” and testified that he and Carrier’s stepfather, Shannon Smith, had accompanied her to the Menards parking lot to retrieve her mail and ensure her safety. Smith recorded a tense phone call with Jelks shortly after Carrier’s disappearance, expressing his suspicions and concern for her well-being.

The trial comes as authorities continue to seek justice for Carrier, whose life was tragically cut short. As the case unfolds, details regarding the relationship dynamics, evidence, and Jelks’ defense are expected to emerge, captivating public attention and raising critical questions about domestic violence and accountability.

As the trial progresses, the community watches closely, hoping for closure and justice for Angela Carrier. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the courtroom drama continues to unfold.