Rockford Tragedy: Man Charged with Murder After STABBING WALMART EMPLOYEE and HURLING RACIAL INSULT
An Illinois man was charged with first-degree murder after fatally stabbing a Black Walmart employee and hurling a racial insult, authorities said.
Timothy Carter, who is white, was detained after police say he stabbed 18-year-old Jason Jenkins on Sunday. According to the criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, a witness reported hearing Carter utter a slur following the stabbing.
Another witness, who recorded footage of the aftermath, told police she was shopping when she heard Jenkins scream for help and saw Carter reportedly wielding a silver knife, according to the complaint.
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Police suspect that Carter stole two blades from the store — a red hunting knife and a silver kitchen knife — and strolled around giving “all of the African-American people dirty looks,” according to the complaint. Carter then approached Jenkins from behind, concealing the knives and stabbing him in the lower back, according to the complaint.
Jenkins was rushed to the hospital and died from his injuries.
When officers confronted Carter after the event, he allegedly stated that he had gone to a local mental health and addiction treatment clinic and told staff that he intended to commit himself before being transferred to the hospital, according to the complaint. He then allegedly told an officer that he had come to the business after being released from a hospital without obtaining mental health care, according to the complaint.
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Authorities reported that Jenkins attended Auburn High School in Rockford.
“We’re devastated to learn that one of our associates has died following a violent attack inside our Rockford, IL store,” Walmart said in a statement to PEOPLE. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and will continue to provide our associates with the necessary support.
Actions like these are unacceptable, and we appreciate law enforcement’s prompt action in apprehending the suspected perpetrator. We will continue to assist them in every way feasible during their inquiry.”
Carter has yet to enter a plea. It is not immediately known whether he has hired an attorney.