UPDATE: The trial has officially opened for Dennis Jelks, a 60-year-old Merrillville man accused of murdering his estranged girlfriend, Angela Carrier, aged 37. The proceedings began on Monday, bringing renewed attention to the tragic events surrounding Carrier’s disappearance and death in January 2021.
The courtroom erupted with tension as prosecutors detailed the shocking circumstances of Carrier’s last moments. On January 26, 2021, Carrier, accompanied by relatives, went to the Merrillville Menards to retrieve her mail from Jelks after their breakup. Just after 1:30 p.m., she left with Jelks, never to be seen alive again. After days of searching, her body was discovered on January 30, shot twice in the back of the head near 30th Avenue and Jackson Street.
Prosecutors allege that Jelks, who has pleaded not guilty, was the last person seen with Carrier. They cited cell phone data indicating Jelks’ phone pinged at Menards before it was traced to the area where Carrier’s body was found around 2 p.m.. Detective Nick Wardrip dismissed Jelks’ claims that he lost track of Carrier and her companions, asserting there was no evidence supporting his alibi.
A firearms expert testified that the bullet casings found at the crime scene matched a .38-caliber or .357-caliber weapon, which Jelks reportedly kept in his trunk, raising alarms among Carrier’s family who described his behavior as abusive. His attempts to distance himself from the events became a focal point in court as Deputy Prosecutors Infinity Westberg and Chris Bruno presented evidence suggesting Jelks had “repeatedly lied” to law enforcement.
Defense attorney Michael Lambert countered that there was no direct or physical evidence linking Jelks to the crime. He described the prosecution’s case as relying on the testimony of Carrier’s family and selective interpretations of cell phone data. Notably, he pointed out that Jelks’ DNA was not found at the crime scene and highlighted Carrier’s struggles with substance abuse, suggesting she may have been away for extended periods.
The emotional weight of the trial was palpable as Carrier’s family recounted their experiences. In a chilling recorded phone call played in court, Carrier’s stepfather, Shannon Smith, confronted Jelks after her disappearance, questioning his involvement and expressing his deep concern for Carrier’s well-being. “Dude, you got something to do with it,” Smith said during the call, which has since intensified scrutiny on Jelks’ actions.
Carrier’s son, Caleb, described the relationship as “toxic,” emphasizing the couple’s ongoing issues leading up to her death. Witnesses also testified about Jelks’ behavior during their relationship, with one stating, “If I can’t have her, nobody can,” recalling Jelks’ threatening demeanor.
As the trial unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of this tragic case. The courtroom proceedings are expected to reveal critical details regarding the timeline of events leading to Carrier’s death, with both sides preparing for a lengthy battle over the truth.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent case develops. As the trial progresses, the search for justice for Angela Carrier continues to resonate deeply within her family and the larger community.
