Inset (left): Kiara Jenkins (Facebook). Inset (right): Eddie Jenkins (Chicago Police Department). Background: Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, where Kiara Jenkins was discovered fatally shot (Google Maps).
An Illinois man is facing a murder charge months after his estranged wife was found shot to death.
Eddie Jenkins, 45, has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Kiara Jenkins, who was found dead from gunshot wounds in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood on Jan. 18. Court records obtained by local CW affiliate WGN allege that Eddie Jenkins drove his Buick Enclave to Kiara Jenkins’ home around 4:30 a.m. that morning, parked roughly a block away, and continued on foot.
Neighbors reportedly heard the estranged couple, who were in the midst of divorce proceedings, arguing outside. Moments later, police said, those same neighbors heard gunfire.
Investigators said nearby surveillance cameras showed Eddie Jenkins running through an alley toward the spot where his Buick was parked before leaving the area in the vehicle.
Court documents state that Eddie Jenkins returned home and woke the children so the family could go to church. When he arrived at services with the five children he shared with Kiara Jenkins, police said friends of the couple grew worried because Kiara was not with them.
Friends later went to check on Kiara Jenkins and found her dead in her backyard. Authorities said she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Police said Eddie Jenkins was stopped while driving his Buick on Jan. 29, but he allegedly sped away as officers approached the vehicle. He was found later that day and taken into custody.
Eddie Jenkins was charged with first-degree murder, attempting to flee an officer, and carrying a concealed firearm. During a hearing on Wednesday, he was ordered to remain behind bars. His next court date is scheduled for July 22.
