VALPARAISO, Ind. — A 20-year-old man from Indiana is facing murder and aggravated battery charges after allegedly strangling his mother to death in response to an eviction notice. Shanelle Burns, a 43-year-old employee of Loyola University Chicago, had served the notice to her son, Conner Kobold, on February 5. Two days later, authorities found Burns unconscious with serious injuries and she passed away later that day. The police determined that she had been strangled. Kobold, who pleaded not guilty, had been given 30 days to find a job, clean his room, and help maintain the common areas of the home to avoid eviction.
Burns, who worked as an assistant vice president in advancement at Loyola University, was described by her colleagues as witty, kind, and a trusted advisor to many. Her obituary revealed her creative side, highlighting her self-taught piano skills and her passion for writing poetry and stories.
Kobold, who had been studying at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, is currently being held in the Porter County Jail. His trial is scheduled to begin in August. Initially, he had filed a waiver to represent himself, but according to online court records, he was assigned a public defender in April.
The tragic incident has left colleagues and friends mourning the loss of Shanelle Burns and expressing their sorrow at the University’s profound loss. Loyola University has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
This heartbreaking case serves as a grim reminder of the escalating issues surrounding evictions and their potential consequences. The outcome of Kobold’s trial will undoubtedly shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragic event.