Jury Finds 60-Year-Old Merrillville Man Guilty of Murder
The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Dennis Jelks, 60, of Merrillville, has been convicted in the homicide of a domestic partner following an investigation led by the Lake County Homicide Task Force.
According to information presented in court, Jelks engaged in repeated acts of domestic battery against the victim, escalating the violence through the use of a deadly weapon, which ultimately resulted in serious bodily injury and death. A Lake County jury returned guilty verdicts after hearing evidence from investigators and prosecutors.
Convictions Returned
• Murder With Firearm Enhancement
Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter thanked the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force—Lead Detective Nick Wardrip, as well as the Crown Point Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Chris Bruno and Infinity Westburg for their work and commitment to justice in this case.
Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026.
