A Loyola University Chicago employee's attempt to evict her son turned fatal, resulting in tragic circumstances. Shanelle Burns, 43, was found unconscious and later died due to strangulation after serving an eviction notice to her 19-year-old son, Conner Kobold.
According to People, an online court records show that Burns filed the eviction notice on February 5. That day, Valparaiso police responded to multiple 911 calls from Kobold reporting an assault. Upon arrival, authorities found Burns with serious injuries. WGN and the Post-Tribune later confirmed that she died two days later from being strangled.
The eviction notice reportedly gave Kobold 30 days to get a job, clean his room, and help maintain the home. This was in lieu of being evicted, according to the Post-Tribune, citing charging documents.
Kobold, now 20, is charged with murder and aggravated battery in relation to his mother's death. Court records show he has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Burns was an assistant vice president in advancement at Loyola University in Chicago. Her colleague, Karen Paciero, described her as “very witty, kind, and poised,” adding that Burns had an exceptional ability to both strategically design and execute. Paciero noted that Burns was a trusted advisor to many within the university.
According to her obituary, Burns was an Indiana native who enjoyed traveling and was creatively talented. She taught herself to play piano and enjoyed writing poetry and stories.
Kobold's LinkedIn page indicates that he began studying at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2022. His trial is scheduled to begin in August and he is currently held in Porter County Jail. Initially, Kobold filed a waiver to represent himself, but an online court docket indicates that he was appointed a public defender in April.