Valparaiso, Indiana – A tragic incident unfolded in Valparaiso as a woman was found without a pulse on Monday, leading to severe brain damage. Court records reveal that the victim, identified as Shanelle Burns, is the mother of the 19-year-old man, Conner Kobold, who has been charged in connection with the brutal attack. Prior to the alleged assault at their home on Diamond Boulevard, Burns had filed an eviction notice against Kobold.
Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer has issued an order barring Kobold from contacting Burns and three other individuals while the legal proceedings unfold. Kobold, detained at the Porter County Jail, faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. Police discovered Burns in the living room with no pulse and signs of ligature marks on her neck. Medical staff at Northwest Health-Porter hospital noted substantial brain damage.
Authorities have been tight-lipped on Burns’ condition, with no updates released as of Wednesday morning. The charging document describes how the location of Burns’s body showed signs of a struggle before life-saving measures were administered. Kobold himself alerted the police to the scene, informing them of a deceased individual at the residence.
Kobold directed law enforcement to the unlocked front door of the house he shared with Burns, confessing to the officers that he was responsible for the killing. Prior to the tragic incident, Burns had initiated an eviction process against Kobold due to his failure to adhere to household rules. A letter dated December 26 outlined the conditions for Kobold to potentially remain in the house, including attending therapy and taking prescribed medications.
Valparaiso police emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated to the individuals involved, with no ongoing threat to the public. Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact Valparaiso police. Providing insights into the tragic events, the authorities have assured the community of no imminent danger. Tips can be submitted via text message with specific instructions on identifying the case.