USMMA Student Strangles Mother After She Serves Him With Eviction Notice

A U.S. Merchant Marine Academy student is on trial in Indiana for allegedly strangling his mother after she served him with an eviction notice demanding he get a job and keep his bedroom and common areas of their home clean.

Conner Kobold, 20, confessed to the heinous crime as soon as police arrived in February at the Valparaiso home he shared with his mother Shanelle Burns, an associate vice president for advancement at Loyola University Chicago, according to court documents obtained by the Chicago Tribune.

He reportedly told officers he had “killed someone” and told them where they could find his mother clinging to life before asking to be handcuffed.

Burns was rushed to hospital with ligature marks on her neck and suspected brain injuries. She succumbed to her injuries two days later.

His death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation secondary to manual strangulation.

Kobold is accused of committing matricide after Burns served him with an eviction notice outlining conditions he had to meet within 30 days to remain in the family home.

He was required to find full-time employment, keep his room clean and help keep the common areas of the house clean, charging documents show.

According to his LinkedIn account, Kobold was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at USMMA in Kings Point, Long Island.

It’s unclear why he was living at home at the time of the tragedy or whether he had dropped out of school. USMMA did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Kobold has a history of mental health issues: He told a judge in February that he had been hospitalized in two mental health facilities and had seen five different therapists, the Chicago Tribune reported.

He attempted to represent himself in court, telling the judge that “the only person who can explain what happened and why is me.” Kobold was appointed a public defender in April.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated battery and murder in connection with his mother’s death.

Burns, 43, was assistant vice president for advancement operations and campaign planning at Loyola University Chicago, according to the school’s website.

His obituary tragically states that Kobold was the most important thing in his accomplished life.

“If you asked Shanelle’s friends what meant most to her, you would get one universal answer: her son,” her loved ones wrote.

“Shanelle worked tirelessly to build an enviable life for them both, ensuring he had every opportunity to succeed. She took great pride in being a mother and devoted all her resources to creating a supportive and loving environment.”