Loyola University Administrator's Son Accused of Killing Her After Eviction Notice

Shanelle Burns, 43, was an assistant vice principal at Loyola University in Chicago when she was strangled by her 19-year-old son, Conner Kobold. Kobold is facing trial this summer for aggravated battery and murder after Burns filed an eviction notice against him on February 5, 2023.

Conner Kobold, now 20, is accused of strangling his mother, Shanelle Burns, after she served him an eviction notice. According to court documents, Burns filed the notice on February 5th of this year, giving Kobold 30 days to clean his room, help with cleaning common areas, and find a job.

Loyola University Administrator's Son Accused of Killing Her After Eviction Notice

On the day of the incident, Kobold called 911 multiple times from the home he shared with his mother in Valparaiso, Indiana. When police arrived, Kobold asked to be handcuffed and placed in their squad car. Upon entering the home, officers found Burns unconscious and not breathing. She was pronounced dead at a hospital two days later.

Kobold initially told police that he had killed someone in the house but later claimed that he had only found his mother's body and called 911. However, medical examiners ruled Burns' death a homicide by asphyxiation secondary to manual strangulation.

Loyola University Administrator's Son Accused of Killing Her After Eviction Notice

According to Kobold's LinkedIn page, he began studying at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2022. Burns was an assistant vice president in advancement at Loyola University in Chicago.

Colleagues and friends remembered Burns as a kind and witty colleague with exceptional abilities. "She had an exceptional ability to both strategically design and execute; she was a trusted advisor to many within Advancement and so many across the University," said Karen Paciero, a colleague.

Loyola University Administrator's Son Accused of Killing Her After Eviction Notice

Burns was also a talented musician who taught herself to play classical piano. She was also an avid writer, penning poetry and stories that showcased her creativity.

Kobold has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated battery and murder. He is currently being held at Porter County Jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court in August.

Loyola University Administrator's Son Accused of Killing Her After Eviction Notice