PHOTO: JOHNSON DANIELSON FUNERAL HOME; PORTER COUNTY JAIL

Former Merchant Marine Academy Student Strangles Mother Over Cleaning and Job Dispute

A 20-year-old Indiana man, Connor Kobold, has been charged with strangling his mother to death after she asked him to clean his room and find a full-time job. Kobold, a student at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, called 911 five times on February 5, reporting a dead person in his home in Valparaiso, according to court documents, as per Post-Tribune.

When police arrived, Kobold surrendered himself, asking to be handcuffed and placed in the squad car. He allegedly confessed to the crime, stating, “There is a dead person inside of the house on the corner” and “I killed somebody in that house,” reported WGNTV. Officers also noticed superficial scratches on his face.

Upon entering the house, police found his mother, Shanelle Burns, 43, unconscious with “no pulse” and “severe injuries,” including ligature marks on her neck. Ms. Burns, an assistant vice president in advancement at Loyola University in Chicago, was hospitalized but died two days later.

According to court documents, she died of “asphyxiation,” and her death was ruled a homicide by “manual strangulation.” Doctors reported that she had suffered significant brain damage before her death.

Kobold has been charged with her murder. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond at Porter County Jail, with a court appearance scheduled for next month.

During a February hearing, Kobold, who has a history of mental health issues, told a judge that he had been admitted to two facilities and had seen at least five therapists. He attempted to represent himself in court, stating that only he could explain the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, a public defender was appointed to represent him despite his efforts to self-represent.

This tragic case highlights the complex interplay of familial conflict, mental health issues, and violent outcomes, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health and providing support for individuals in distress.

Related posts

Mom of 3 Accused of Stabbing Her Boyfriend to Death After Prior Domestic Violence Arrest

Bente Birkeland

California Mom Says ‘Killer’ Smiled at Her Before Firing Gun from Nearby Car During Six-Year-Old Son Aiden Leos’s Tragic Incident

Alex Bollinger

Trump continues to raise money but shares little of the funds raised with fellow Republicans

Alexis N. Crockett

Man Allegedly Kills 22-Year-Old Sister, Shoots Parents After Argument Over Dishes and Being Told to Move Out

Paul Johns

19-Year-Old Drunk Teen Driver Allegedly Killed Toddler & Dragged His Body While His Parents Watched

Alexis N. Crockett

8-Year-Old Missing After Texas Floodwaters Sweep Her Away, Dad Killed in Tragic Incident

Paul Johns