A Lake County jury has found Dennis Jelks, 60, guilty of murdering his domestic partner, the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday.
Court evidence showed Jelks engaged in repeated acts of domestic battery that escalated with a deadly weapon, ultimately causing serious injury and death. The jury returned a guilty verdict for murder with a firearm enhancement.
Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter praised the investigation, thanking the Lake County Homicide Task Force, Lead Detective Nick Wardrip, the Crown Point Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Chris Bruno and Infinity Westburg for their dedication to justice.
Jelks is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2026.